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Golfer's elbow

Also called: Golfer's elbow, medial epicondylitis

Pain on the inside of the elbow from overusing the forearm muscles that bend the wrist. Rest and stretching usually fix it.

PainInside of the elbow
Worse withGripping, lifting, wrist bending
Usually improvesWithin months

Overview

It can come from golf, throwing, lifting, or tool use.

Tingling in the ring and little fingers may mean ulnar nerve irritation.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow
  • Pain on the inner side of the elbow
  • Elbow pain

Less common

  • Weak grip

Look up a symptom: Elbow pain · Pain on the inner side of the elbow

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA hot, swollen elbow with fever.
See a doctor soonPain lasting more than 2 weeks.

Causes

Repetitive gripping and wrist bending.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Golfers
  • Throwers
  • Manual work

Possible complications

Diagnosis

A clinician examines the elbow.

The exam

Pressing and testing wrist bending.

Treatment

Rest the tendon.

Self-care

  • Avoid painful gripping
  • Ice
  • Use a forearm strap
  • Do wrist stretches and slow strengthening

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Pain relievers
Pain and swellingAsk first if you have kidney, stomach, or heart problems.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

  • Proper technique
  • Forearm strength

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people keep up normal school and work. Rest when you need to.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most get better.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Golfer's elbow

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.