The pain of golfer’s elbow can come on suddenly or gradually. The pain might worsen when you:
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. The damage is typically related to excess or repeated stress or overuse — especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warm-up or poor conditioning, also can contribute to golfer’s elbow.
Rest. Put your golf game or other repetitive activities on hold until the pain is gone. If you return to activity too soon, you may make it worse.
Ice the affected area. Apply ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day for several days. To protect your skin, wrap the ice packs in a thin towel. It might help to massage the inner elbow with ice for five minutes at a time, two to three times a day.
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Try ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others), naproxen sodium (Aleve, others) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
Use a brace. Your doctor might recommend that you wear a counter force brace on your affected arm, which might reduce tendon and muscle strain.
Stretch and strengthen the affected area. Your doctor may suggest stretching and strengthening exercises. Physical or occupational therapy can be helpful, too. A type of strengthening (eccentric) that lengthens the tendon of the wrist extensor muscles has been shown to be particularly effective in treating chronic tendon irritation.
Reduce the load on your elbow tendons. Wrap your elbow with an elastic bandage or use a splint.
Gradually return to your usual activities. When your pain is gone, practice the arm motions of your sport or activity. Review your golf or tennis swing with an instructor and make adjustments if needed.
Some cases do not respond to non-surgical treatment. In these situations, surgery is necessary. Golfer’s Elbow surgery (called medial epicondylectomy and ulnar nerve release) involves creating an incision along the inner side of the elbow in order to access, and carefully remove the medial epicondyle (the bony bump located on the inner side of the elbow) that is putting pressure on the blocked ulnar nerve. Once removed, the ulnar nerve is able to glide freely as the elbow is used and when bent. Most patients have a good prognosis and are relieved of their symptoms.
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