Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is degenerative tendon pain where the wrist-flexor and forearm-pronator muscles attach to the inner elbow.

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is degenerative tendon pain where the wrist-flexor and forearm-pronator muscles attach to the inner elbow. It can affect golfers, throwers, racquet athletes, weightlifters, manual workers, and patients with no specific sports injury.

Inner-elbow pain is not always golfer's elbow. The UCL and ulnar nerve are located nearby, and throwing athletes can have ligament injury, nerve irritation, flexor-pronator strain, or more than one problem at the same time.

Most cases improve without surgery through activity modification, progressive tendon loading, and correction of work or sports mechanics. Bracing and selected procedures may help. Surgery is uncommon and reserved for chronic symptoms that remain substantially limiting after appropriate rehabilitation. Dr. Knudsen's evaluation focuses on identifying the exact painful structure before treatment is selected.

This information is educational and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Written and medically reviewed by Michael L. Knudsen, MD | Last reviewed: July 2026