Musculoskeletal Condition · Glastonbury, CT

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner elbow with gripping or wrist flexion. Learn about symptoms and evaluation with Dr. Tortland in Glastonbury, CT.

Written and clinically reviewed by

Paul D. Tortland, DO, FAOASM, CAQSM, RMSK

Dr. Paul Tortland, DO is a non-surgical orthopedic & sports medicine physician specializing in regenerative orthopedics and surgical alternative treatment. He is dual board-certified in Sports Medicine & Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Regenerative Medicine, Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine. He became the first physician in the world to earn board certification in Regenerative Medicine in 2015. Diplomate, American Board of Regenerative Medicine (ABRM), 2015. Registered in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound (RMSK).

Condition

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer's elbow is an overloaded tendon on the inner side of the elbow that hurts when you grip, lift or bend your wrist. You do not have to play golf to get it. Most cases improve with rest from the task and targeted rehab. Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, may add a PRP injection (your own platelets, placed with ultrasound) when pain stays.

Explore related conditions: Browse the Elbow, wrist and hand condition hub for related diagnoses and treatment options.

CARE OPTIONS

How is golfer’s elbow treated?

Dr. Tortland’s potential treatment options: For persistent golfer’s elbow after an accurate diagnosis, Dr. Tortland may discuss PRP treatment or selected prolotherapy/prolozone. These injections are considered selectively; evidence is variable, and they work best as part of a broader rehabilitation plan rather than a replacement for loading exercises.

Physical therapy and traditional care: Physical therapy typically emphasizes progressive wrist-flexor and forearm strengthening, activity and grip changes, and a gradual return to sport or work. A counterforce strap or wrist brace and short-term symptom relief may help some people.

When other care may be needed: Imaging or specialist assessment may be appropriate when the diagnosis is uncertain, a significant tear is suspected, or symptoms persist despite a well-followed rehabilitation program.

Common questions

Questions about golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)

What causes golfer's elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is overload of the tendons on the inner elbow from repeated wrist flexion and gripping, as in golf, throwing, racquet sports or manual work. It can occur without playing golf. Symptoms are often worse when gripping or lifting with the palm up.

What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?

Symptoms include pain and tenderness at the inner elbow, pain with gripping or wrist flexion, and sometimes tingling in the ring and small fingers. Finger tingling may indicate ulnar nerve involvement rather than tendon pain alone, so examination helps clarify the source.

What are the non-surgical treatment options for golfer's elbow?

Initial care usually includes activity modification, progressive wrist-flexor and forearm strengthening, and bracing when useful. Physical therapy helps guide loading and a safe return to sport or work. Shockwave or injection options may be considered for persistent symptoms; surgery is uncommon.

What regenerative options may help golfer's elbow?

Ultrasound-guided PRP or prolotherapy may be discussed for persistent tendon pain after rehabilitation. Evidence varies by treatment and study, and injections should not replace progressive loading exercises. Candidacy is decided after examination and review of other causes of inner-elbow pain.