Golfers Elbow

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes inflammation and pain in the tendons of the muscles that connect the hand to the elbow. With the palm face up, the muscles are on the inside top part of the forearm. The pain centers on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. This is where the tendons attache to the bone. The pain may spread into the forearm and hand.

Golfer's elbow is usually caused by overusing the muscles in the forearm that allow you to grip, rotate your arm, and flex your wrist. Repetitive flexing, gripping, or swinging can cause pulls or tiny tears in the tendons.

Despite the name, this condition doesn't just affect golfers. Any repetitive hand, wrist, or forearm motions can lead to golfer's elbow. People may also get it from using tools like screwdrivers and hammers, raking, or painting and using computer keyboards.

Golfer's elbow is not as well known as its cousin, tennis elbow. Both are forms of elbow tendinitis. The difference is that tennis elbow stems from damage to tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow is caused by tendons on the inside. Golfer's elbow is also less common.