Golfer's Elbow: Inner Elbow Pain Explained

You feel it when you grab a gallon of milk, finish a set of curls, or swing a club. The ache sits on the inside of your elbow and creeps down your forearm. Some days your grip feels weaker than it should. Here's what golfer's elbow is, why it happens, and what helps.

What is golfer's elbow?

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is irritation or damage to the tendons on the inside of the elbow. These tendons connect the forearm muscles that bend your wrist and fingers and turn your palm down. They all attach to a bony bump called the medial epicondyle.

According to AAOS², repeated use or overexertion stresses those tendons where they attach. Over time, they can fray or develop small tears. It can happen without any single injury.

Golfer's elbow is much less common than tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow. A 2023 clinical review estimates it's 5 to 10 times less common³. It affects up to 1% of people overall, and up to 8% in some work settings³. For an overview of elbow problems, see our guide to elbow pain.

What does golfer's elbow feel like?

The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. According to Mayo Clinic¹, the pain can spread down the inner forearm. It often gets worse with gripping, lifting, or wrist movements.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow¹
• A burning feeling that may shoot toward the hand²
• Stiffness, or pain when you make a fist¹
• Weakness in your hand or wrist, or a weaker grip^1,2
• Pain with handshakes, turning a doorknob, or swinging a club or racket¹
• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers, in some cases¹

AAOS² notes the pain often starts gradually and worsens over weeks to months. A 2023 review estimates about 70% of cases come on gradually and about 30% follow an injury³.

Is it golfer's elbow or tennis elbow?

The quickest clue is where it hurts. Golfer's elbow hurts on the inside of the elbow, on the same side as your little finger. Tennis elbow hurts on the outside.

For a fuller side-by-side, read golfer's elbow vs. tennis elbow. If your pain is on the outside, see our guide to tennis elbow.

What causes golfer's elbow?

Repeated, forceful wrist and finger bending is the main cause. According to Mayo Clinic¹, it usually develops from doing an activity for long periods on many days. Poor technique, skipping a warm-up, and weak forearm muscles add to it¹.

Activities linked to golfer's elbow include^1,2:

• Golf, especially with poor swing technique
• Racket sports, including tennis and pickleball
• Throwing sports, such as baseball and softball
• Weight training with poor form, such as curling the wrists during biceps curls
• Construction, plumbing, carpentry, and other jobs with repeated arm movements
• Some household chores

Paddle players can read about pickleball elbow. Lifters should see elbow pain when lifting weights.

Who is more likely to get it

• Adults 40 and older. AAOS² says it usually affects people ages 40 to 60.
• People who repeat the same motion for two or more hours a day. Mayo Clinic¹ lists this as a risk factor.
• People who smoke, have diabetes, or carry extra weight. These are linked to higher risk¹.

When is inner elbow pain more than golfer's elbow?

Tingling in your ring and little fingers can mean the nerve at the inner elbow is involved. That nerve, the ulnar nerve, runs just behind the same bony bump². When it's irritated, it can cause numbness and tingling even without a tendon problem.

When the ulnar nerve is squeezed at the elbow, it's called cubital tunnel syndrome. According to Cleveland Clinic⁴, symptoms are most common when the elbow stays bent. That includes driving, holding a phone, or sleeping. Cleveland Clinic advises seeing a provider if symptoms are severe or last more than six weeks⁴. Untreated pressure on the nerve can lead to muscle wasting in the hand⁴. Learn more about cubital tunnel syndrome.

Mayo Clinic¹ also suggests seeing a healthcare professional if pain doesn't improve with rest and home care.

What helps golfer's elbow?

Most cases are treated successfully without surgery. AAOS² says surgery is considered only when symptoms last after several months of treatment. Care usually moves through a few steps.

Calm it down

Cut back on the activities that hurt, rather than pushing through them. Mayo Clinic¹ advises resting when the elbow hurts. AAOS² suggests ice for about 20 minutes several times a day in the early, painful stage.

Restore motion, then build strength

AAOS² describes stretching first to restore pain-free wrist motion. Strengthening follows, focused on the muscles that bend the wrist and turn the palm down. AAOS² notes that eccentric exercises, which slowly lower a load, are considered especially helpful.

Ease the strain at its source

Mayo Clinic¹ suggests warming up before sports or work and getting feedback on your technique. Use gear that fits your size and strength. Keep your wrist firm when you lift¹.

Hands-on care

A 2023 review found evidence for physical therapy in golfer's elbow inconclusive overall³. It noted some support for manual therapy and strength training³. Your doctor may use gentle joint movement and gentle muscle work alongside exercise. You choose your care.

What about steroid shots?

The same review found steroid shots eased pain for less than about eight weeks³. Longer-term results were worse than a saline shot or no treatment³. AAOS² also warns that steroid shots may slow rehabilitation. Discuss injections with your medical doctor.

Find out what's behind your elbow pain

Inner elbow pain has a way of following you from the course to the job site to the kitchen counter. You change your grip, skip a round, and try to rest it. Then one heavy bag of groceries sets it off again.

We're here to help you find out what's driving it. Chiropractic Company has cared for Greater Milwaukee since 1982, with 400,000+ patients, 1,400+ five-star Google reviews, and 20+ neighborhood clinics. Your doctor checks your elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck, plus the nerves in your arm. X-rays are taken only if your exam calls for them. Your care is designed around your work, your sport, your medical history, and your goals. You choose your care, and you see the same doctor as it continues.

Care is natural and drug-free. Treatment begins at your second visit, or the same day in acute cases if your doctor decides it's appropriate. Some plans add physical therapy at our Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, and West Allis North clinics. Golfers and other active adults can see our care for athletes and weekend warriors. Learn more about elbow pain care.

We're in-network with most insurance companies and accept Medicare and workers' compensation. Eligible new patients can start with the $29 new-patient special, which includes a consultation, an exam, and X-rays if needed. *See offer terms.

Visit one of our 20+ neighborhood clinics across Greater Milwaukee: Milwaukee East, Milwaukee North, Milwaukee Third Ward, Shorewood, Glendale, Mequon, Cedarburg, Grafton, Germantown, Brookfield, Menomonee Falls, Waukesha, Oconomowoc, New Berlin, West Allis, West Allis North, Greenfield, Hales Corners, Franklin, Muskego, and Cudahy.

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