As the weather warms up, many people are getting back outside to golf, garden, work out and stay active. But suddenly jumping into more activity -- especially after being less active during colder months -- can sometimes lead to a painful overuse condition known as golfer’s elbow.
Despite the name, golfer’s elbow doesn’t only affect golfers. The condition can develop in anyone who performs repetitive hand, wrist or forearm movements.
Activities like gardening, weightlifting, yardwork, typing and other repetitive motions can place stress on the tendons around the elbow over time.
What is golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is an overuse condition that affects the tendons attached to the inside part of the elbow. These tendons connect several muscles that help control the wrist and finger movements. Repetitive strain over time can lead to pain and irritation.
“It’s really a tendon issue at its core,” said Dr. Brandon Kakos, sports medicine physician at the Detroit Medical Center. “It’s commonly linked to repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movement over time.”
Who may be at risk?
While golfers can develop the condition, many non-athletes experience it as well. People who participate in repetitive hand or wrist activities may be at higher risk, including those who:
- Garden or do yardwork
- Lift weights or participate in fitness training
- Play golf or recreational sports
- Perform repetitive work tasks
- Spend long hours typing or using a computer
Dr. Kakos said symptoms often appear when people increase activity too quickly without properly preparing the body.
He also noted that overall health conditions like high cholesterol or diabetes may affect tendon health, especially when combined with repetitive stress or overuse.
Common symptoms
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow can range from mild discomfort to pain that interferes with daily activities.
Common signs may include:
- Pain or tenderness along the inside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping or lifting objects
- Pain that extends into the forearm
- Symptoms that worsen with repetitive activity
“A little soreness can happen after activity,” Dr. Kakos said. “But if the pain continues, worsens or starts interfering with your daily routine, it’s important to seek medical evaluation.”
Prevention, treatment and recovery
One of the most important ways to help lower the risk of golfer’s elbow is to prepare the body before activity. Dr. Kakos recommends dynamic warmups and gradually easing into activities rather than doing too much too quickly.
“Simple movements like arm and wrist circles, shoulder rolls and grip activation can help prepare the body before activity.”
Many people improve symptoms with conservative treatment options like:
- Activity modification
- Ice or heat
- Guided exercises and stretching and progressive tendon loading
- Supportive braces or straps
- Physical therapy exercises
As symptoms improve, Dr. Kakos encourages people to return to activities gradually and avoid trying to immediately return to the same intensity level.
Building back slowly, warming up properly and listening to your body can help reduce stress on the tendon during recovery.
The sports medicine team at Detroit Medical Center can evaluate symptoms and discuss treatment options for people experiencing elbow pain or repetitive stress injuries.
To learn more or find a physician, visit DMC.org/orthopedics.