Golfer's Elbow Treatment: What Golfers Should Know
Pain on the inside of the elbow can make it difficult to enjoy the game and perform at your best. Often referred to as golfer's elbow, this condition develops when the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow become irritated or overloaded.
While golfer's elbow is commonly associated with golf, it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist motions. For golfers, symptoms may develop gradually and become more noticeable during practice, play, or everyday activities.
Knowing what treatments are available can help you take the first step toward recovery and returning to the game you enjoy.
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
The condition develops when the tendons that help control the wrist and forearm become irritated or overloaded. For golfers, repetitive swings, frequent practice sessions, poor recovery, or changes in physical function can place additional stress on these tissues over time.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Tenderness near the bony part of the joint
- Weakness in the hand or wrist
- Discomfort when gripping a club
- Pain during or after golf
- Symptoms that worsen over time
Although symptoms often begin gradually, they can become more persistent if the underlying cause is not addressed.
Common Treatment Options
Treatment for golfer's elbow depends on the severity of symptoms, how long the condition has been present, and how much it is affecting daily activities and golf performance.
Rest & Pain Relief
For many golfers, treatment begins with reducing activities that aggravate symptoms and allowing irritated tissues time to recover.
Treatment may include:
- Activity modification
- Ice therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications when appropriate
- Bracing or supportive devices
These approaches may help reduce pain and allow the tendon to begin healing.
Physical Therapy & Exercise
Physical therapy is often an important part of treatment for golfer's elbow.
A physical therapist may recommend:
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Mobility work
- Techniques to improve flexibility and function
The goal is to reduce stress on the tendon while improving strength and movement throughout the arm and wrist.
Advanced Nonsurgical & Minimally Invasive Procedures
If symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, additional options may be considered.
Some minimally invasive procedures are designed to remove damaged tendon tissue and stimulate the body's natural healing response. In certain cases, injection therapies may also be recommended.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Most golfers improve without surgery. However, surgical treatment may be considered when symptoms are severe, have persisted for an extended period, or have not responded to other treatment approaches.
During surgery for golfer’s elbow, damaged tendon tissue is removed, and the tendon may be repaired to help reduce pain and restore function.
A golf doctor can help determine which treatment options may be most appropriate for your condition.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Many golfers try to play through elbow pain, hoping it will resolve on its own.
You may benefit from an evaluation if you experience:
- Pain that persists despite rest
- Symptoms that interfere with golf
- Pain while gripping a club
- Reduced strength in the hand or forearm
- Symptoms that continue to worsen
- Recurring pain during or after play
Seeking treatment early may help prevent symptoms from becoming more difficult to manage.
Returning to Golf After Golfer's Elbow
Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and whether treatment involves conservative care, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery.
Many golfers can return to play successfully once symptoms improve and contributing factors have been addressed. Managing workload, improving physical function, and following an appropriate treatment plan may help reduce the risk of recurring symptoms.
Find a Golf Doctor Near You
Golfer's elbow doesn't have to keep you away from the game.
Find a golf doctor near you to learn more about treatment options and whether physical limitations, movement patterns, or underlying conditions may be contributing to your symptoms.