Golfer’s Elbow Treatment

What Is Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)?

Golfer’s elbow, medically referred to as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation of the inner side of the elbow at the bony bump where the forearm muscle tendons attach. Although it may be surprising, this condition doesn’t only exist in golfers — it occurs when anyone uses their wrist or clenches their fingers with repetition. With time, overuse will irritate or damage the tendons, and the result is persistent pain or soreness at the elbow, which can interfere with everyday activities. Similar to other sports injuries, golfer’s elbow often develops from repetitive motion and improper technique during physical activity.

Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow

While both conditions involve tendon irritation, the essential difference is the pain’s location. Tennis elbow involves the outer part of the elbow, due to repetitive movement, irritating the tendon attachments at the lateral epicondyle. Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, at or near the medial epicondyle, and is typically due to repeated wrist flexion or gripping activities. Understanding the distinction is key to effective diagnosis and treatment, as each case requires a slightly different approach to recovery.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner elbow are overloaded.

It can be caused by a variety of activities, commonly:

• Repetitive golfing or racquet sports
• Weightlifting or strength training with poor form
• Repetitive occupational movements, such as typing, painting, or using hand tools
• Poor stretching or warm-up practices before activity
• Sudden increases in activity intensity or duration

Age and poor flexibility can also increase your risk, as tendons lose elasticity over time and become more prone to small tears or inflammation.

Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

The symptoms of golfer’s elbow can vary depending on the severity of tendon irritation, but often include:

• Pain or tenderness along the inner side of the elbow
• Stiffness or limited range of motion
• Weakness in the wrist or hand when gripping objects
• Numbness or tingling that radiates down the forearm into the fingers
• Discomfort that worsens with specific movements, like flexing the wrist or turning a doorknob

If left untreated, pain can spread down the arm and significantly limit daily function.

Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosis

At The Spine & Rehab Group, our specialists combine a thorough medical history, physical examination, and advanced imaging studies to confirm your diagnosis. During your visit, your doctor may ask you to move your wrist, elbow, and fingers to assess pain and strength levels. Imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may then be used to rule out other possible causes, such as arthritis or nerve compression. This precise approach helps us create a treatment plan focused on addressing the true source of your symptoms. If your discomfort affects more than just your elbow, explore our comprehensive shoulder, elbow, hand & wrist pain treatment options for complete upper extremity care.

Our Board certified doctors Amr Hosny, MD, MBA, FASA Book Now David Chu, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Vivek Mehta, MD, FAAPMR Book Now Deepali Gupta, MD, DABA, DABPM Book Now

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in New Jersey and New York City

Our treatment approach focuses on relieving pain, promoting tendon healing, and preventing recurrence. At The Spine & Rehab Group, we specialize in golfer’s elbow treatment in New Jersey and NYC, offering both conservative and advanced solutions depending on your needs.

Common treatment options include:

• Rest and activity modification to reduce tendon strain
• Anti-inflammatory medications and ice therapy
• Physical therapy and golfer’s elbow exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and regain flexibility
• Bracing or compression support for stabilization during movements
• Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for persistent inflammation
• Shockwave or ultrasound therapy to stimulate healing

In rare cases where symptoms don’t improve with non-surgical treatments, you may be referred to one of our golfer’s elbow surgeons in NYC and NJ for minimally invasive procedures that repair injured tendons and restore function.

Golfer’s Elbow Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery timeline is determined by the severity of your condition and commitment to your treatment plan. Most patients begin to see improvements within the first few weeks of treatment, though it may take months to fully heal. Our rehabilitation specialists will work with you to develop a gradual strengthening and stretching routine that is designed to return stability and prevent further injury. Returning to a sport or activity too soon can set you back in your recovery, and our team will help you navigate a return to full activity safely.

Don’t let golfer’s elbow restrict your range of motion or your quality of life. The expert pain management and rehabilitation specialists at The Spine & Rehab Group offer evidence-based, non-surgical treatments that will minimize pain and encourage long-term recovery. With easy-to-access locations across New Jersey and New York City, you can receive comprehensive care close to home. Schedule your consultation today to start your journey toward recovery and greater elbow function.

Dr. Hosny is a distinguished physician, educator, and healthcare leader with a commitment to advancing health equity and accessibility in the rapidly evolving landscape of modern healthcare. After completing his residency at St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital Center, affiliated with Columbia University in New York City, he pursued an Interventional Spine Fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, part of Harvard Medical School in Boston, MA.

Dr. Hosny has held prominent roles in academic medicine, including serving as an Associate Clinical Professor at New York Medical College and as the Interventional Spine Fellowship Program Director. These positions reflect his dedication to mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals and advancing the field of interventional spine care.

More About Dr. Hosny

The Spine & Rehab Group
140 NJ-17,
Paramus, NJ 07652
(212) 242-8160