Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer’s elbow, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. Despite its name, golfer’s elbow is not limited to golfers; it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm pronation movements. Over time, these repetitive stresses can lead to microtears and degeneration of the tendon tissue rather than a single acute injury.
The most common cause of medial epicondylitis is overuse. Activities such as golf, throwing sports, weightlifting, manual labor, typing, or using hand tools can place repeated strain on the flexor-pronator muscle group of the forearm. Poor technique, inadequate equipment, or sudden increases in activity intensity can further increase the risk. Age-related tendon changes and reduced flexibility or strength in the forearm muscles may also contribute to the development of the condition.
Symptoms typically include aching or burning pain on the inner elbow that may radiate down the forearm, tenderness to touch, and stiffness, particularly in the morning. Many individuals also experience weakness in the hand or wrist, making it difficult to grip objects, shake hands, or perform fine motor tasks. The pain often worsens with activities that involve wrist flexion or gripping against resistance.
Management of medial epicondylitis usually focuses on reducing pain and allowing the tendon to heal. This may include activity modification, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory measures, and physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength of the forearm and shoulder muscles. In some cases, braces or straps are used to reduce stress on the tendon. With appropriate treatment and gradual return to activity, most people experience significant improvement, and preventive strategies such as proper technique, conditioning, and ergonomic adjustments can help reduce the risk of recurrence
In the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a study was published demonstrating the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for pain relief and return of function in patients suffering from Medial Epicondylitis. In the study, a 75% improvement in pain was reported after 12 months of treatment, with a 100% recovery of grip strength.
Your therapist at Granville Physio will use a combination of manual therapy, exercise, bracing, and shockwave therapy to alleviate your pain, and return you to the sports or activities you enjoy sooner!
The most common cause of medial epicondylitis is overuse. Activities such as golf, throwing sports, weightlifting, manual labor, typing, or using hand tools can place repeated strain on the flexor-pronator muscle group of the forearm. Poor technique, inadequate equipment, or sudden increases in activity intensity can further increase the risk. Age-related tendon changes and reduced flexibility or strength in the forearm muscles may also contribute to the development of the condition.
Symptoms typically include aching or burning pain on the inner elbow that may radiate down the forearm, tenderness to touch, and stiffness, particularly in the morning. Many individuals also experience weakness in the hand or wrist, making it difficult to grip objects, shake hands, or perform fine motor tasks. The pain often worsens with activities that involve wrist flexion or gripping against resistance.
Management of medial epicondylitis usually focuses on reducing pain and allowing the tendon to heal. This may include activity modification, rest, ice, anti-inflammatory measures, and physical therapy to improve flexibility and strength of the forearm and shoulder muscles. In some cases, braces or straps are used to reduce stress on the tendon. With appropriate treatment and gradual return to activity, most people experience significant improvement, and preventive strategies such as proper technique, conditioning, and ergonomic adjustments can help reduce the risk of recurrence
In the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a study was published demonstrating the effectiveness of shockwave therapy for pain relief and return of function in patients suffering from Medial Epicondylitis. In the study, a 75% improvement in pain was reported after 12 months of treatment, with a 100% recovery of grip strength.
Your therapist at Granville Physio will use a combination of manual therapy, exercise, bracing, and shockwave therapy to alleviate your pain, and return you to the sports or activities you enjoy sooner!
