Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) – Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

Key Points

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is pain and irritation where the forearm flexor tendons attach to the inner elbow.

• It isn’t limited to golfers — it commonly affects office workers, manual workers, and racquet sport players.

• Symptoms can mimic other conditions such as ulnar nerve irritation, ligament sprain, or referred pain from the shoulder/neck.

• At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use diagnostic ultrasound to confirm tendon pathology and rule out other causes of inner elbow pain.

👉 Related: Tennis Elbow | Ligament Sprains | Golfing Injuries

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What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow occurs when the common flexor tendon becomes irritated, inflamed, or degenerative at its attachment to the inner elbow (medial epicondyle).

It is caused by repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation — often from sports like golf, tennis (serves/forehand), climbing, or work involving repetitive tool use.

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Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow

• Pain worsens with gripping, wrist flexion, or turning objects

• Forearm weakness, especially in grip strength

• Morning stiffness around the inner elbow

• Pain may radiate down the forearm to the wrist

• Sometimes numbness/tingling if the ulnar nerve is irritated

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Causes & Risk Factors

• Repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities (golf, tennis, carpentry, typing, DIY)

• Poor lifting or swinging technique

• Overuse without adequate recovery

• Weakness in forearm flexors or shoulder stabilisers

• Poor ergonomics at work or home

• Age 35–55 is most common

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Why Diagnostic Ultrasound Matters

Not all medial elbow pain is golfer’s elbow. Diagnostic ultrasound helps distinguish between conditions that feel similar but are pathologically different:

• Golfer’s Elbow (tendinopathy) → tendon thickening or microtears in flexor tendons

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment → nerve irritation at the elbow (cubital tunnel) causing pain and tingling

• Ligament Sprain (UCL) → overstretching or tearing of the medial collateral ligament

• Referred pain → from the shoulder, neck, or upper arm muscles

• Arthritis or joint degeneration → can mimic tendon pain

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At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic we use ultrasound to:

• Confirm tendon involvement

• Identify inflammation, microtears, or degenerative changes

• Rule out nerve or ligament involvement

• Track tendon healing over time

👉 This ensures your treatment is targeted to the correct cause, avoiding misdiagnosis.

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Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow

At Bromley Sports Injury Clinic, diagnosis may include:

• Osteopathic assessment – grip strength, wrist/forearm movement testing

• Diagnostic ultrasound – confirms tendon changes and rules out nerve/ligament causes

• Blood tests – to identify systemic contributors such as vitamin D deficiency or metabolic health

• Referral – if nerve entrapment or joint degeneration is suspected

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Self-Help for Golfer’s Elbow

• Rest from aggravating gripping or flexion activities

• Apply ice to the inner elbow for pain relief

• Gentle stretching of wrist flexors

• Correct workstation ergonomics and sports technique

• Use braces/straps if needed to reduce strain

• Begin progressive strengthening when pain improves

• Apply POLICE Principles for acute soft tissue injuries

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Treatment Options at Bromley Sports Injury Clinic

✅ Osteopathic care – mobilisation, soft tissue therapy, and nerve tension release
✅ Exercise rehabilitation – eccentric forearm strengthening, grip endurance, postural correction
✅ Sports massage – deep tissue therapy for flexor muscles and forearm
✅ Ultrasound imaging – for accurate diagnosis and monitoring recovery
✅ Blood testing – checks for systemic or metabolic factors slowing tendon healing
✅ Technique & ergonomic advice – adjustments to reduce recurrence in sport or work

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Prevention

• Warm up before sport or heavy gripping tasks

• Strengthen forearm flexors, grip, and shoulder stabilisers

• Maintain good posture and ergonomics at work

• Avoid sudden increases in gripping or wrist flexion load

• Replace old grips (racquets, tools) to reduce strain

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FAQs – Golfer’s Elbow

Q: Is golfer’s elbow only from playing golf?
No. It often develops from any repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or tool use.

Q: Do I need a scan?
Ultrasound helps confirm tendon pathology and rule out ulnar nerve entrapment or ligament sprain.

Q: How long does recovery take?
Mild cases can settle in 6–8 weeks; chronic tendinopathy may take several months.

Q: Can I keep working with golfer’s elbow?
Often yes, but activity modification and rehab are key.

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Book Your Appointment

Don’t let golfer’s elbow affect your work or sport. Book your golfer’s elbow assessment with ultrasound in Bromley today for a clear diagnosis and tailored treatment.

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📍 Bromley Sports Injury Clinic | Same-week appointments available