What's the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside of the elbow, involving the flexor and pronator tendons. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow, involving the extensor tendons. Both are overuse injuries caused by repetitive forearm motions, but they affect different muscle groups and tendon attachment points.

How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?

With appropriate non-surgical treatment — including activity modification, physical therapy, and bracing — most patients see meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks. Full resolution may take several months, particularly for chronic cases. Recovery timelines vary based on severity, how long symptoms have been present, and adherence to treatment.

Should I keep working out with golfer's elbow?

It depends on the activity. Exercises that don't stress the inner elbow — such as lower body work, core exercises, and light cardio — are generally fine. Avoid heavy gripping, curls, pull-ups, and any movement that reproduces your pain. Andrew Yang, MD or your physical therapist can help you modify your routine so you stay active without aggravating the tendon.

Do braces or straps help?

Yes. A counterforce strap worn just below the elbow can reduce stress on the flexor tendon attachment. It works by redirecting force away from the injured area during gripping and lifting. A strap complements rest, therapy, and other treatments rather than replacing them.

Are injections safe and do they work?

Corticosteroid injections are a commonly used treatment for medial epicondylitis and are generally safe when used appropriately. They can provide short-term pain relief, which may help patients participate in physical therapy. Repeated injections are approached with caution, as frequent use may weaken tendon tissue over time. Andrew Yang, MD will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

When do you need surgery for golfer's elbow?

Surgery is rarely the first option. It's typically considered after 6–12 months of consistent non-surgical treatment has failed to provide adequate relief. The procedure involves removing damaged tendon tissue and, in some cases, reattaching healthy tendon. Most patients who reach this point experience significant improvement after surgery.

Can golfer's elbow cause numbness in the fingers?

Yes. The ulnar nerve runs along the inside of the elbow, very close to the medial epicondyle. In some cases, medial epicondylitis can be accompanied by ulnar nerve irritation, causing numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers. Andrew Yang, MD will evaluate for this during your examination and may recommend additional testing if nerve involvement is suspected.

Golfer's Elbow Treatment with Dr. Andrew Yang

Pain on the inside of your elbow when gripping, lifting, or twisting? Dr. Andrew Yang, a hand surgeon board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, provides diagnosis and treatment options at OrthoMD.

Golfer's elbow — medically known as medial epicondylitis — is a common overuse condition that causes pain where the forearm flexor tendons attach to the inner elbow. Whether your symptoms are from sports, manual work, or everyday activities, Andrew Yang, MD offers evaluation and individualized treatment plans at OrthoMD offices in Fort Lee, NJ and Bayside, NY (Queens).

Understanding Golfer's Elbow with Dr. Andrew Yang

Golfer's elbow — medically called medial epicondylitis — is an overuse injury that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It develops when the tendons that connect your forearm flexor muscles to the bony bump on the inner elbow (the medial epicondyle) become irritated, inflamed, or partially torn from repetitive stress.

The muscles involved are the flexor-pronator group, which control wrist flexion, forearm rotation, and gripping. Repeated forceful motions — gripping, throwing, lifting, or twisting — create microscopic tears in these tendons. Over time, these tears can lead to chronic tendon degeneration rather than simple inflammation, a process known as tendinosis.

Despite the name, golfer's elbow is not limited to golfers. It commonly affects people who perform repetitive hand, wrist, and forearm motions — including athletes, manual laborers, office workers, and musicians.

Common Symptoms

Golfer's elbow symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen with continued use. If you notice any of the following, consider scheduling an evaluation with Andrew Yang, MD.

Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow, especially near the bony bump (medial epicondyle)

Pain that worsens with gripping, squeezing, lifting, or twisting motions

Stiffness in the elbow — difficulty fully extending the arm

Weakness in the hand and wrist, particularly grip strength

Pain radiating from the inner elbow down into the forearm

Numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers (if the ulnar nerve is also involved)

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow results from repeated stress on the forearm flexor and pronator muscles. Andrew Yang, MD considers the cause when discussing treatment options.

Repetitive gripping, lifting, and twisting — in sports, work, or daily tasks

Golf — improper swing mechanics or excessive practice

Throwing sports — baseball, javelin, and football

Racquet sports — especially with heavy topspin strokes

Weight training — curls, pull-ups, and heavy gripping exercises

Manual trades — hammering, painting, plumbing, and assembly work

Prolonged computer use — sustained gripping of a mouse or forceful typing

Age — most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old

Self-Care That Helps (and What to Avoid)

If your symptoms are mild and recent, these steps may help while you wait for an evaluation — or as a complement to your treatment plan.

What helps

Rest from aggravating activities — give the tendon time to recover

Ice the inner elbow for 15–20 minutes several times a day

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen, naproxen) for short-term relief

Gentle forearm stretching — wrist extension stretch held for 30 seconds

A counterforce strap worn just below the elbow during activity

What to avoid

Pushing through pain — continuing aggravating activities delays healing

Heavy gripping and curling exercises

Prolonged use of vibrating tools without breaks

Ignoring symptoms for months — chronic tendon damage is harder to treat

Relying solely on painkillers without addressing the underlying cause

How We Diagnose Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow is primarily diagnosed through a focused physical examination. In most cases, we can provide a clear diagnosis and discuss treatment options during your first visit.

Physical examination — palpation of the medial epicondyle to locate tenderness and reproduce symptoms

Resisted wrist flexion and pronation testing — isolating the affected tendons to confirm the diagnosis

Grip strength assessment — evaluating for weakness that commonly accompanies medial epicondylitis

Ulnar nerve evaluation — checking for numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers, which may indicate concurrent nerve involvement

Screening for referred pain when symptoms are atypical

Imaging is usually not needed initially — medial epicondylitis is a clinical diagnosis based on history and exam

X-rays or MRI may be ordered if symptoms don't improve with treatment, or to rule out other conditions such as ligament injury or loose bodies

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatments

Many patients with golfer's elbow improve without surgery. Andrew Yang, MD discusses conservative options based on the severity and duration of your symptoms.

Activity modification — reducing or avoiding the motions that aggravate symptoms while maintaining overall fitness

Physical therapy — targeted exercises emphasizing eccentric strengthening of the forearm flexors to promote tendon healing

Counterforce bracing — a strap worn just below the elbow to redistribute stress away from the injured tendon

Anti-inflammatory strategies — short-term NSAIDs, ice, and topical anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling

Ergonomic adjustments — modifying workstation setup, grip techniques, and tool use to reduce repetitive strain

Corticosteroid Injections

When pain is significant and limiting participation in therapy, a corticosteroid injection can provide effective short-term relief:

Reduces inflammation at the medial epicondyle tendon attachment

Provides pain relief to support participation in physical therapy

Quick, in-office procedure with minimal downtime

Used judiciously — repeated injections are approached with caution to protect tendon integrity

For selected chronic or recurrent cases, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injection may be discussed after evaluation; results vary.

When Surgery Is Considered

If symptoms persist after 6–12 months of consistent non-surgical treatment, surgery may be recommended. The goal is to remove damaged, degenerative tendon tissue and, when necessary, repair the remaining healthy tendon. Surgery is an outpatient procedure with a structured rehabilitation protocol.

What to expect from surgery:

Debridement — removal of damaged, degenerative tendon tissue from the medial epicondyle

Tendon repair — reattachment of healthy tendon tissue when needed

Outpatient procedure — no overnight hospital stay required

Gradual return to activity over several months with guided rehabilitation

Surgery is reserved for cases that have not responded to conservative care

Recovery Timeline

Recovery from golfer's elbow varies based on severity, treatment approach, and adherence to your care plan. These are typical ranges — Andrew Yang, MD will discuss a personalized timeline.

Mild cases (early intervention)

3–6 weeks

Activity modification, icing, and a counterforce strap may resolve symptoms quickly if caught early.

Moderate cases (physical therapy)

6–12 weeks

Structured physical therapy with eccentric strengthening, combined with bracing and anti-inflammatory strategies.

Chronic or recurrent cases

3–6 months

Longer courses of therapy, possible injection, and ongoing activity modification for persistent symptoms.

Post-surgical recovery

4–6 months

Gradual return to full activity with guided rehabilitation. Light daily tasks typically resume within a few weeks.

These timelines are general estimates. Individual recovery depends on the severity of your condition, your overall health, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan.

When to See a Specialist

You should see an orthopedic hand and upper extremity specialist if:

Inner elbow pain persists for more than 2–3 weeks despite rest and self-care

Pain is interfering with work, sports, or daily activities

Grip strength is noticeably weaker

You notice numbness or tingling in your ring and small fingers

Symptoms are getting worse despite over-the-counter treatment

You've been treated elsewhere without improvement and want a second opinion

Why Choose OrthoMD for Golfer's Elbow Treatment

Orthopedic Specialist–Led Care

Dr. Andrew Yang is a hand surgeon, board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, with hand and upper extremity fellowship training. Your care begins with an evaluation and treatment plan.

Upper Extremity Focus

Our practice focuses on conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity, including golfer's elbow.

Conservative First Approach

We always explore non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. The majority of golfer's elbow cases resolve with conservative care — and we'll guide you through every step.

Two Convenient Locations

With offices in Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and Bayside, NY (Queens), hand and upper extremity care is close to home — with same-day evaluations often available.

Related Conditions

Elbow, hand, and wrist conditions can share overlapping symptoms. If you're experiencing discomfort beyond golfer's elbow, these related conditions may also be worth exploring:

Tennis Elbow — outer elbow pain with gripping and lifting Cubital Tunnel Syndrome — elbow and ring/small finger numbness Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — hand numbness, tingling, and weak grip Trigger Finger — finger clicking, catching, or locking

Learn more about our full range of orthopedic services.

Frequently Asked Questions

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