What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump. Despite its name, this injury can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their wrists or clenches their fingers, not just golfers.
Common Causes
Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by overuse or repetitive stress to the forearm muscles and tendons. Common activities that may lead to this condition include:
- Repeated gripping, lifting, or swinging motions (such as golf or racquet sports)
- Manual labour (carpentry, plumbing)
- Weight training with poor technique
- Jobs or hobbies requiring frequent wrist flexion
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
People with golfer’s elbow may experience:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
- Weakness in the hands and wrists
- Numbness or tingling radiating into the fingers (particularly the ring and little fingers)
- Pain that worsens with certain movements, like gripping objects
When to See a Specialist
You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Persistent elbow pain lasting more than a few days
- Difficulty moving your arm or hand
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in your hand or fingers
- Severe swelling or bruising
Early diagnosis can help prevent further injury and speed up recovery.
How Can a Chiropractor or Physiotherapist Help Treat Golfer’s Elbow?
At GTA Spine, our physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore normal function. Treatment may include manual therapy, tailored exercise programs to strengthen and stretch affected muscles, modalities such as ultrasound or laser therapy, and education on activity modification. Our goal is to help you return safely to your daily activities and prevent future injuries.
