Golfers Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Description

Medial epicondylitis is a common painful condition of the medial (inside) elbow caused by irritation of the insertion point of the wrist flexor muscles. This injury is felt to have an  inflammatory component but chronic cases have been found to have irregular growth of collagen with very little inflammation. This injury is common in golfers but can occur in anyone who performs repetitive resisted motions of the wrist. Improperly treated golfers elbow can become a chronic injury with prolonged pain and disability.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Pain with gripping activities or twisting motions
 

Risk Factors

Sudden change in activity level or intensity
Incorrect grip or size of golf club
Incorrect technique

Treatment

 

Initial treatment involves rest, ice and medication to control pain and inflammation. The most important treatment is to correct the offending activity that caused the problem in the first place. If conservative measures fail, a steroid injection if often curative but may require more then one injection. Refractory cases may require surgery.