Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an inflammation of the tendons that attach the muscles of the forearm to the bone on the inside of the elbow. It is a form of tendinitis of the elbow. Often mistaken for tennis elbow (pain and inflammation on the outside of the elbow), golfer's elbow causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the arm and elbow. Repetitive motions — such as gripping, flexing and swinging — cause golfer's elbow.
If you experience the following symptoms, see a Penn orthopaedic specialist to be evaluated for golfer's elbow:
- Elbow pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow
- Elbow weakness
- Numbness, burning and tingling in the fingers
- Pain and/or burning that radiates down the inner side of the forearm
Meet the team of experts who specialize in golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) treatment
Diagnosing Golfer's Elbow
To diagnose golfer's elbow, an orthopaedic specialist evaluates your symptoms, examines your elbow and forearm, and discusses any sports or daily activities that may have led to the condition.
You will likely require further imaging tests to assess the damage to the tissues in your elbow and forearm, such as:
- CT scan
- MRI
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- X-ray
Our musculoskeletal radiologists are specially trained to interpret scans and accurately diagnose your condition. They and other members of your orthopaedic team will create an individualized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and leads to the best possible outcome. Treatment options may include a combination of non-surgical therapies and, if your golfer's elbow is severe, surgical treatment.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Golfer's Elbow
We emphasize a conservative approach to treating golfer's elbow whenever possible. Many people find that their pain and function greatly improves through noninvasive therapies that have proven to be very effective.
Noninvasive therapy for golfer's elbow includes:
- Activity modification
- Corticosteroid injections
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, an ultrasound-guided technique that sends energy waves to damaged soft tissues in the elbow
- Icing
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
- Range-of-motion exercises/physical therapy
If your symptoms do not improve within several months, you may have torn tendons and/or ligaments that require surgery.
Golfer's Elbow Surgery
Penn orthopaedic surgeons have expertise in performing many complex surgical techniques at once. They can repair damaged and torn tendons and remove scar tissue that may cause inflammation and pain in your elbow. You may be a candidate for surgery if your golfer's elbow is severe and conservative therapies did not provide relief. You and your orthopaedic surgeon will decide if surgery is the right option for you.
Surgery to repair damage from golfer's elbow includes:
Ligament and Tendon Reconstruction
We use the latest arthroscopic techniques to perform ligament and tendon reconstruction to treat golfer's elbow. Reconstructing torn and damaged tendons helps improve function, restore elbow strength and reduce pain. Our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in transplanting and repairing tissues such as muscles, ligaments and tendons with soft tissue grafts from other parts of your body or from a donor.
Open Tendon Repair
If a tendon tear is large and there is a lot of soft tissue damage in the elbow and forearm, your surgeon may choose to perform open tendon repair. Open tendon repair is used for complex injuries that require multiple procedures to be performed at once.
Golfer's Elbow Surgery Recovery
After golfer's elbow surgery, rest is very important for healing. After surgery, your arm and elbow will be immobilized in a sling or splint, and you should keep it elevated to help limit inflammation. Individuals who experience less pain during recovery tend to have better results. Our advanced pain management program effectively treats pain with less dependence on narcotics. Your doctor will want you to begin a pain management program and physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery to maintain and build tendon and ligament strength and to help regain mobility. Your doctor will determine when you should begin your rehabilitation program.
Personalized Rehabilitation Programs for Golfer's Elbow
Recovering from golfer's elbow surgery depends on the type of surgery you had and how severe your condition is. We implement a "whole person" approach to treatment and care. Your orthopaedic team, composed of physical therapists, pain management specialists and orthopaedic specialists, will assess your lifestyle, medical condition and personal goals for recovery to create a customized rehabilitation program. You will work closely with your orthopaedic team for as long as your recovery takes, until you are functioning well and free from pain.