7 Common Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the inner side of your elbow. Despite its name, this condition doesn’t only affect golfers—it can impact anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist and forearm muscles. The condition occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow become inflamed or damaged due to overuse or repetitive stress.

Understanding the symptoms of golfer’s elbow is crucial for early detection and proper management. While the pain typically starts at the inside of the elbow, it can radiate down into the forearm and wrist, making everyday activities challenging. If left unaddressed, this condition can worsen over time and significantly impact your quality of life.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the seven most common symptoms of golfer’s elbow, helping you recognize the warning signs and understand when it’s time to seek medical attention.

1. Pain and Tenderness on the Inside of the Elbow

The hallmark symptom of golfer’s elbow is pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow, specifically at the medial epicondyle—the bony prominence you can feel on the inside of your elbow joint. This pain is usually the first sign that something is wrong and typically develops gradually over time rather than appearing suddenly.

The discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain depending on the severity of the condition. You’ll likely notice that the area is tender to touch, and applying even light pressure to the inner elbow can cause significant discomfort. This tenderness is a result of inflammation in the tendons that attach to this bony bump.

Key characteristics of this pain include:

• Localized pain at the medial epicondyle (inside elbow bump)
• Increased sensitivity when touching or pressing the area
• Pain that may worsen with specific movements or activities
• Gradual onset rather than sudden appearance
• Persistent discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest alone

2. Radiating Pain Down the Forearm

While golfer’s elbow originates at the inner elbow, the pain rarely stays confined to that single point. One of the most common symptoms is pain that radiates or spreads down the inner side of your forearm, sometimes extending all the way to your wrist. This radiating pain follows the path of the affected tendons and muscles.

The sensation can vary from person to person—some describe it as a shooting pain, while others experience a dull, aching sensation that travels down the arm. This radiating discomfort occurs because the inflamed tendons connect to multiple forearm muscles responsible for wrist and finger movements.

The radiating pain typically intensifies when you:

• Grip objects tightly
• Flex your wrist or fingers
• Perform twisting motions with your forearm
• Engage in repetitive hand or wrist activities
• Lift objects, even those that aren’t particularly heavy

3. Weakness in the Hands and Wrists

Many people with golfer’s elbow experience noticeable weakness in their hands and wrists, which can significantly interfere with daily activities. This weakness stems from the pain and inflammation affecting the tendons that control wrist flexion and finger movement. When these tendons are compromised, your grip strength diminishes, and tasks that were once effortless become challenging.

This weakness isn’t just about reduced muscle power—it’s often accompanied by an inability to generate or maintain grip force without experiencing pain. You might find yourself dropping objects more frequently or struggling to perform tasks that require sustained gripping or twisting motions.

Common situations where weakness becomes apparent:

• Difficulty opening jars or turning doorknobs
• Reduced grip strength when shaking hands
• Trouble holding a coffee cup or glass firmly
• Weakness when carrying grocery bags or briefcases
• Difficulty using tools or typing on a keyboard for extended periods
• Reduced performance in sports requiring grip strength

4. Stiffness in the Elbow Joint

Stiffness is another prominent symptom of golfer’s elbow that can significantly limit your range of motion. This stiffness is most noticeable in the morning after periods of inactivity or rest, when the affected tendons and muscles have been immobile for several hours. Many people report that their elbow feels “locked up” or difficult to move when they first wake up or after sitting for extended periods.

The stiffness occurs because inflammation causes the tissues around the elbow to tighten and lose their normal flexibility. As you start moving your arm throughout the day, the stiffness may improve somewhat, though it typically doesn’t disappear completely without proper intervention.

This symptom manifests as:

• Reduced ability to fully straighten or bend the elbow
• A sensation of tightness around the inner elbow area
• Difficulty performing smooth, fluid arm movements
• Increased stiffness after periods of rest or sleep
• Gradual improvement with gentle movement, though pain may persist
• Reluctance to use the affected arm due to discomfort

5. Increased Pain with Specific Movements

One of the defining characteristics of golfer’s elbow is that certain movements trigger or significantly worsen the pain. These specific actions stress the damaged tendons, causing immediate discomfort that can range from mild to severe. Understanding which movements exacerbate your symptoms is important for both diagnosis and management of the condition.

The pain is particularly pronounced during activities that involve wrist flexion (bending your wrist toward your palm), gripping, or rotating your forearm. This is because these movements engage the flexor muscles and tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle—the exact area affected by golfer’s elbow.

Movements and activities that typically worsen pain include:

• Flexing the wrist downward (palm-ward)
• Making a fist or gripping objects firmly
• Rotating the forearm (pronation movement)
• Swinging a golf club, tennis racket, or baseball bat
• Lifting objects with the palm facing upward
• Typing or using a computer mouse for extended periods
• Hammering, painting, or other repetitive hand activities
• Throwing motions

6. Numbness or Tingling Sensation

Some individuals with golfer’s elbow experience numbness or tingling sensations that extend from the inner elbow down into the hand, particularly affecting the ring and little fingers. While not everyone with golfer’s elbow develops this symptom, when it does occur, it can be quite concerning and uncomfortable.

This numbness or tingling happens when inflammation and swelling around the medial epicondyle put pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs through a groove on the inner side of the elbow. When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause altered sensations in the areas it supplies—primarily the ring and pinky fingers.

The sensation can be described as:

• A “pins and needles” feeling in the ring and little fingers
• Numbness that comes and goes, often worsening with elbow flexion
• A tingling sensation that travels down the inner forearm
• Reduced sensation or feeling in the affected fingers
• Symptoms that worsen when leaning on the elbow or bending it for prolonged periods

Important note: If you experience significant numbness, tingling, or loss of sensation, it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider, as these symptoms may indicate nerve involvement that requires specific attention.

7. Pain That Worsens at Night or at Rest

While many musculoskeletal conditions improve with rest, golfer’s elbow can paradoxically cause pain that intensifies during nighttime or periods of inactivity. Many people report that their inner elbow pain worsens when they’re trying to sleep or upon waking in the morning, even though they haven’t been using their arm.

This nighttime pain occurs for several reasons. During sleep, you may unconsciously position your arm in ways that put tension on the already-inflamed tendons. Additionally, inflammation tends to increase during periods of rest as fluid accumulates in the affected area. The reduction in movement also means less blood flow to help remove inflammatory substances.

Characteristics of nighttime and rest pain:

• Throbbing or aching pain that disrupts sleep
• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position for the affected arm
• Pain that awakens you when you roll onto the affected side
• Increased stiffness and discomfort upon waking
• Pain that persists even when the arm is supported and not in use
• Gradual increase in discomfort as the evening progresses

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

Understanding the causes of golfer’s elbow helps in both prevention and management of this condition. The primary cause is repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that control wrist and finger flexion. When these muscles and tendons are subjected to repeated stress without adequate rest, microscopic tears develop in the tendon tissue, leading to inflammation and pain.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Repetitive gripping activities: Any activity that requires repeated gripping, twisting, or flexing of the wrist can contribute to golfer’s elbow. This includes sports like golf (hence the name), baseball, tennis, and racquetball.
• Occupational hazards: Certain professions place workers at higher risk, including carpenters, plumbers, painters, butchers, cooks, and assembly line workers who perform repetitive hand and wrist motions for extended periods.
• Computer use: Prolonged typing, mouse use, and poor ergonomics can strain the forearm tendons, especially when wrist positioning is suboptimal.
• Improper technique: Using incorrect form during sports or physical activities places excessive stress on the tendons. Poor golf swing mechanics or improper lifting techniques are common culprits.
• Sudden increase in activity: Dramatically increasing the intensity, duration, or frequency of activities without proper conditioning can overwhelm the tendons’ ability to adapt.
• Age: People over 40 are at increased risk as tendons naturally lose some elasticity and resilience with age, making them more susceptible to injury.
• Muscle weakness or imbalance: Weak forearm, wrist, or shoulder muscles can place disproportionate stress on the elbow tendons.
• Prior injury: Previous elbow injuries can create scar tissue or weakness that predisposes you to developing golfer’s elbow.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing golfer’s elbow is far easier than treating an established condition. By implementing proper techniques and making smart choices about your activities, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this painful condition.

Effective prevention strategies include:

• Strengthen forearm muscles: Regular exercises that build strength and endurance in your forearm muscles help them better withstand repetitive stress. Include both flexion and extension exercises for balanced muscle development.
• Warm up properly: Always warm up before engaging in sports or physical activities. Gentle stretching and light activity increase blood flow to your muscles and tendons, making them more resilient.
• Use proper technique: Whether playing golf, tennis, or performing work tasks, ensure you’re using correct form. Consider working with a coach or trainer to refine your technique if you engage in sports regularly.
• Take regular breaks: If your work or hobbies involve repetitive hand and wrist movements, take frequent breaks to rest your muscles and tendons. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and perform 20 gentle stretches or movements.
• Modify your grip: Use larger-diameter handles on tools and sports equipment to reduce the grip force required. Avoid overly tight grips when they aren’t necessary.
• Optimize ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically sound, with proper keyboard and mouse positioning. Your wrists should remain in a neutral position during computer work.
• Gradually increase activity levels: When starting a new sport or increasing your training intensity, do so gradually to allow your tendons time to adapt to increased demands.
• Use appropriate equipment: Wear supportive braces or straps if recommended, and ensure your sports equipment is properly sized and suited to your skill level.
• Listen to your body: Don’t ignore early warning signs of pain or discomfort. Addressing minor issues early can prevent them from developing into chronic conditions.
• Maintain overall fitness: Good general conditioning, including core strength and flexibility, helps reduce compensatory stress on your elbows.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?

Recovery time varies depending on severity, but most cases improve within 3-6 months with appropriate rest and conservative management. Mild cases may resolve in a few weeks, while chronic or severe cases can take 6-12 months or longer. Consistent adherence to preventive measures and avoiding aggravating activities significantly impacts healing time.

Can golfer’s elbow heal on its own?

Mild cases of golfer’s elbow may improve on their own with adequate rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition. However, most people benefit from proactive measures such as ice application, gentle stretching, and activity modification. Without addressing the underlying causes, symptoms often persist or recur.

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

The main difference is location: golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inner side of the elbow where flexor tendons attach, while tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the outer side where extensor tendons attach. Golfer’s elbow causes inside elbow pain, whereas tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow.

Should I stop all activities if I have golfer’s elbow?

Complete rest isn’t always necessary, but you should avoid activities that cause or worsen pain. Modify activities to reduce stress on the affected tendons, and focus on pain-free movements. Consult a healthcare provider or physical therapist for guidance on which activities to continue and which to avoid during recovery.

Is heat or ice better for golfer’s elbow?

Ice is typically more beneficial during the acute phase when inflammation is present, helping reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice for 15-20 minutes several times daily. Heat may be helpful for chronic cases to improve blood flow and relax muscles, but avoid heat if inflammation is active. Many people find alternating between ice and heat provides relief.

Can I still exercise with golfer’s elbow?

Yes, but you should modify your exercise routine to avoid movements that stress the inner elbow tendons. Focus on lower body exercises and activities that don’t require gripping or wrist flexion. Gentle, pain-free stretching and strengthening exercises specifically designed for golfer’s elbow can actually aid recovery when performed correctly.

Do I need to see a doctor for golfer’s elbow?

You should consult a healthcare provider if pain persists despite self-care measures, if symptoms worsen, if you experience significant weakness or numbness, or if pain interferes with daily activities. Early professional evaluation can help prevent the condition from becoming chronic and ensure proper diagnosis, as other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

Does golfer’s elbow only affect golfers?

No, despite its name, golfer’s elbow can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their wrist and forearm muscles. Common sufferers include tennis players, baseball pitchers, rock climbers, weightlifters, carpenters, plumbers, and people who frequently use computers. Any activity involving repetitive gripping, flexing, or twisting of the wrist can lead to this condition.

References:

• Mayo Clinic – Golfer’s Elbow
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Golfer’s Elbow
• Johns Hopkins Medicine – Golfer’s Elbow
• NHS – Elbow and Arm Pain
• Cleveland Clinic – Golfer’s Elbow