Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Common Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness on the inside (medial) part of the elbow
• Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or repeated wrist-flexion motions
• Weakened grip strength
• Occasional tingling into the ring and little fingers, which can indicate nearby ulnar nerve involvement rather than tendon pain alone
• Symptoms that build gradually with repetitive activity

Why It Happens

The wrist-flexor and forearm-pronator tendons attach on the inner elbow and are loaded during gripping, throwing, and lifting activities. As with lateral epicondylitis, repeated micro-strain that outpaces the tendon's capacity to adapt leads to disorganized tendon tissue and pain, despite the golf-specific name — many cases have nothing to do with golf.

Why It Can Become Persistent

Gripping tasks are difficult to avoid entirely in daily life, so the tendon rarely gets full rest. Overlap with, or irritation of, the nearby ulnar nerve can also complicate and prolong recovery if it isn't specifically assessed.

Who Commonly Gets It

This is common in golfers and throwing-sport athletes, but also in people whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping, lifting, or forceful wrist flexion — trades work and weightlifting are common contributors.

How It Is Usually Diagnosed

Diagnosis is typically clinical, based on tenderness over the inside of the elbow and pain with resisted wrist flexion/forearm pronation. Your provider will also screen for ulnar nerve involvement, since the treatment approach can differ if the nerve is a significant contributor to symptoms.

Traditional Treatment Options

• Activity modification: Reducing aggravating gripping/lifting tasks temporarily.
• Physical therapy / loading program: A progressive forearm-strengthening program targeting the wrist flexors.
• Counterforce brace: Can reduce tendon strain during activity for some patients.
• NSAIDs: Sometimes used short-term for symptom control.
• Corticosteroid injection: Can offer short-term relief for some patients, considered on a case-by-case basis.

Why Someone Might Start Looking for Another Option

Medial epicondylitis can be slower to resolve than its lateral counterpart for some patients, and grip-dependent jobs or hobbies make full rest difficult. When conservative care hasn't resolved symptoms, patients often look into additional non-invasive options.

Where Shockwave Therapy May Fit

Shockwave therapy is used for medial epicondylitis in clinical practice, though the dedicated research base for this specific condition is smaller than for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). Your provider can discuss realistic expectations based on the current evidence and your specific presentation.

How Shockwave Treatment Works for This Area

Acoustic pressure waves are directed at the tender area over the inside of the elbow, avoiding direct pressure on the nerve pathway when nerve involvement is present.

What the Treatment Feels Like

Most patients describe a firm tapping or pressure sensation, with some tenderness directly over the sore spot. Sessions are brief and most patients resume normal activity the same day per your provider's guidance.

What Happens During Your First Visit

Your visit begins with a provider evaluation focused on your history and a physical exam relevant to your complaint. If shockwave therapy is determined to be clinically appropriate, your first treatment can typically be provided the same visit. See our What to Expect page for the full walkthrough.

Who May Not Be Appropriate

• Significant ulnar nerve involvement (numbness/tingling/weakness) without prior evaluation of the nerve specifically
• Active infection, open wounds, or certain bone conditions at the treatment site
• Certain circulatory, neurological, or bleeding-related conditions, per your provider's screening

This list is not exhaustive. Your provider will screen for contraindications during your evaluation.