Golfer’s elbow, also known as baseball elbow, is known in medical terms as medial epicondylitis. It is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside, medial side of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.
Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow, which occurs on the outside of the elbow. It’s not limited to golfers. Baseball players, tennis players, and others who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers also can develop golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s elbow is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This condition can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Improper lifting, too little warmup, or poor conditioning can also contribute to golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms
The most common symptom of golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is pain along the palm side of the forearm, from the elbow to the wrist, on the same side as the little finger. The pain can be felt when bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance or squeezing a rubber ball. Other symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness: Usually felt on the inner side of your elbow, the pain sometimes extends along the inner side of your forearm. Pain typically worsens with certain movements.
- Stiffness: Your elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist might hurt.
- Weakness: You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
- Numbness or tingling: These sensations might radiate into one or more fingers — usually the ring and little fingers.
The symptoms of golfer’s elbow may look like other medical problems or conditions, so you should always check with a doctor for a definative diagnosis.