Golfer's elbow is pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm muscles that bend the wrist and fingers attach to bone. Tennis elbow is the matching problem on the outer side. Neither is limited to people who play the sport, and in most cases both are tendon overuse problems that often improve with load changes and exercise. This page covers how each is recognised, how it is treated, and when Dr. Aman Khanna would consider anything beyond exercise and a change in how the arm is used.
How they differ
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) hurts over the bony bump on the inner side of the elbow. It is worse with gripping, carrying a bag, or bending the wrist down against resistance.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) hurts over the bump on the outer side. It is worse with lifting something palm down, opening a jar, wringing a cloth or lifting a full kettle.
Both are mainly wear and overload of the tendon, which is why rest alone often gives only temporary relief and why exercise is central to treatment.
Signs of golfer's elbow
- Tenderness on the inner bump of the elbow, sometimes spreading down the forearm.
- Pain on gripping, shaking hands or turning a key.
- Tingling in the ring and little fingers in some people, because the ulnar nerve runs just behind the same bump. This needs to be assessed separately.
Other causes
Golf can load either side of the elbow, depending on grip and swing, but most people with these conditions play neither sport. Screwdriver or spanner work, long hours on a keyboard and mouse, painting, carrying heavy bags and kitchen work such as chopping and wringing are typical triggers. It often starts after a sudden increase in activity, and it is most often seen in adults in middle age.
How the elbow is assessed
Assessment starts with what you do with your hands, when the pain began and which movements bring it on. Dr. Aman Khanna then examines the elbow for tenderness at the bump, pain on resisted wrist movement and nerve symptoms, and may check the neck. A pinched nerve in the neck, radial tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve irritation and elbow arthritis can feel similar. An X-ray looks at the joint and is not needed in every case. Ultrasound or MRI is kept for cases where the diagnosis is unclear, pain is not improving, or surgery is being considered.
Treating golfer's elbow and tennis elbow without surgery
Most people are managed without an operation, and the plan depends on how long the pain has been present and what the arm needs to do.
- Load management: cutting down the aggravating task rather than stopping all use, and changing the grip, tool handle, keyboard and mouse set-up, or racket and swing where relevant.
- Physiotherapy: gradual strengthening of the forearm muscles, practised regularly for weeks. This is often the part that matters most.
- A counterforce strap or brace for use during tasks, and sometimes a wrist splint at night.
- Short courses of pain-relief tablets or gels, as advised after checking your other medical conditions.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection, offered where indicated, usually when pain continues despite a proper exercise programme. The evidence is mixed and no guideline recommends it routinely, and this is discussed openly at consultation. See the PRP injection page.
- A corticosteroid injection is sometimes used for short-term relief; it can ease pain for weeks but may slow recovery over the following year, and its limits are discussed at consultation.
Recovery in general terms
Tendons recover slowly. Many people improve over several months of consistent treatment, and some take a year or longer. Pain commonly eases before grip strength fully returns, and going straight back to the original task at full load is a frequent reason for the pain coming back.
When surgery is discussed
Surgery is usually discussed after about six months of a well-followed non-operative programme, when pain still limits work, sport or sleep, and it is decided after assessment. The operation removes the damaged part of the tendon at its attachment to the bone, and an arthroscopic release is offered for tennis elbow.
Risks in general terms
Non-operative treatment can fail to settle the pain, and an injection can cause soreness for a few days. Surgery carries the usual risks of infection, stiffness, nerve injury, a tender scar, persisting pain and some loss of grip strength. Your surgeon explains how these apply to you before you decide.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks despite easing the activity, if it wakes you at night, if you drop things because of weak grip, or if you have numbness or tingling in the fingers. Pain after a fall or blow needs a fracture check. A hot, red, swollen elbow, especially with fever, needs urgent care.
How to book
To book, use WhatsApp or the clinic and hours page; scan reports, if you have any, are useful to bring.