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Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
Last reviewed: 05.07.2025
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Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) is an inflammation of the flexor and pronator muscles that originate from the medial epicondyle of the humerus; it is much less common than lateral epicondylitis.
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Causes of Medial Epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis can be caused by any activity that places force on the elbow joint in an externally rotated position, such as golf, hitting a tennis ball (especially with a lot of spin, a racket that is too tightly strung, an ill-fitting handle, or heavy balls), and throwing. Nonathletic activities that can cause medial epicondylitis include bricklaying, forging, and typing.
Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow
The patient experiences pain in the flexor and pronator tendons (attaching to the medial epicondyle) and in the medial epicondyle when the wrist is flexed and pronated away from resistance.
To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor performs the following test: the patient sits on a chair with the forearms on the table and the hands in a supinated position. The patient tries to raise the forearm by flexing the wrist, while the doctor holds them down. Pain in the area of the medial epicondyle and the flexor and pronator tendons serves as a reliable diagnostic sign.
Where does it hurt?
What do need to examine?
How to examine?
Treatment of medial epicondylitis
Treatment for golfer's elbow is the same as for lateral epicondylitis. The patient should avoid any activity that causes pain when flexing or pronating the wrist. Rest, ice, NSAIDs, and stretching are used initially, along with cortisone injections into the painful area around the tendon. Once the pain has subsided, gentle resistance exercises of the forearm flexors and extensors are performed, followed by eccentric and concentric resistance exercises.
Indications for surgical treatment of medial epicondylitis arise only after 6-12 months in case of unsuccessful physiotherapy. Surgical treatment consists of removing scars and re-damaged tissues.