Golfer's elbow is pain on the inner side of the elbow caused by an overloaded tendon where the muscles that bend the wrist and turn the forearm attach to the bone. It is less common than tennis elbow, and most people who get it do not play golf. Most cases improve with time, activity changes and a gradual return to strength.
Also known as medial epicondylitis, medial epicondylalgia, inner elbow pain
Symptoms
- Pain on the bony bump on the inside of the elbow
- Pain that can spread into the inner forearm
- Pain when gripping, carrying bags or turning a key
- Pain when bending the wrist or turning the palm down against resistance
- Weaker grip than usual
- Sometimes tingling in the ring and little fingers if the nearby ulnar nerve is also irritated
Causes and risk factors
- Forceful gripping or lifting, especially if repeated
- Repeated bending and straightening of the elbow at work
- Throwing sports, golf, racket sports and weight training
- A sudden increase in arm-heavy activity
- Smoking and carrying extra body weight, which are linked to higher risk
What the evidence says helps
- The outlook is generally good. In one study of workers, about 8 in 10 had recovered within three years.3
- Non-surgical care is the usual first approach. This includes changing aggravating activities and then rebuilding strength in the forearm muscles.4
- Eccentric (slow lowering) wrist exercises may reduce pain and improve function, but the research is small and evidence is low certainty.5
- Steroid injections are sometimes used for short-term relief. Evidence specific to golfer's elbow is limited, so the decision should be discussed with your doctor.4
- Surgery is rarely needed. It is usually only considered when symptoms have lasted at least six months despite good non-surgical care.46
Things you can try at home
- Reduce heavy or repeated gripping for a while, without stopping using the arm altogether
- Split heavy loads between both hands and carry bags closer to your body
- Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks such as using tools or a mouse
- Start gentle wrist and grip strengthening once the pain allows, and build up slowly
- Review your sports technique or equipment with a coach if a sport brings it on
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently, call NHS 111, or call 999 in an emergency if you have:
- Your elbow is hot, red and swollen and you feel unwell or feverish: see a GP the same day or call NHS 111
- You cannot move the elbow after a fall, or it looks deformed: go to A&E
- Increasing numbness or weakness in the ring and little fingers, or wasting of hand muscles: see your GP promptly
- Arm pain with chest pain, breathlessness or sweating: call 999
- Constant night pain, unexplained weight loss or a past history of cancer: see your GP
How Apollo can help
We assess your elbow, wrist, neck and nerves to understand what is driving your inner elbow pain, including checking the ulnar nerve. We explain the condition and help you adjust work, sport and daily tasks so the tendon is not overloaded. We then guide you through a progressive strengthening programme, with hands-on care where appropriate and grip testing to track change. If your symptoms do not improve, we will discuss onward referral with you.
No GP referral needed. Clinics in Sheringham, Coltishall and Norwich.
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?
Both are tendon problems where forearm muscles attach to the elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the inner side and tennis elbow affects the outer side. Tennis elbow is the more common of the two.
Can I keep playing golf or going to the gym?
Often you can, with changes. Reducing the load, frequency or type of activity for a while lets the tendon settle. A gradual return guided by your symptoms usually works better than stopping completely.
Why do I get tingling in my fingers with golfer's elbow?
The ulnar nerve runs close to the inner elbow and can become irritated at the same time. This can cause tingling in the ring and little fingers. Worsening numbness or weakness should be checked by a GP.
References
- Shiri R, et al. (2006). Prevalence and determinants of lateral and medial epicondylitis: a population study. American Journal of Epidemiology. View source
- Walker-Bone K, et al. (2011). Occupation and epicondylitis: a population-based study. Rheumatology (Oxford). View source
- Descatha A, et al. (2003). Medial epicondylitis in occupational settings: prevalence, incidence and associated risk factors. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. View source
- Amin NH, et al. (2015). Medial epicondylitis: evaluation and management. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. View source
- Zhi HS, et al. (2026). Eccentric exercise therapy for medial epicondylitis: a systematic review of clinical outcomes. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. View source
- Arevalo A, et al. (2022). Surgical techniques and clinical outcomes for medial epicondylitis: a systematic review. American Journal of Sports Medicine. View source
This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for medical advice. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or a registered healthcare professional. Content prepared from the sources above, November 2026.
