Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, And Risk Factors  

Have you ever felt a twinge on the inside of your elbow while lifting a coffee mug, swinging a golf club, or even typing on your laptop?

You might be dealing with golfer’s elbow. And yes – it can truly be a golfer’s elbow, even if you rarely step onto the green or don’t even know how many holes are in a round of golf. The truth is, this condition isn’t just for golfers – it can affect anyone whose everyday activities place repeated strain on the tendons of the inner elbow.

So what exactly is golfer’s elbow?  

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) occurs when the tendons on the inside of your elbow become irritated or develop tiny micro-tears. These tendons connect your forearm muscles – which allow you to grip, lift, and bend your wrist – to your elbow bone.

Unlike tennis elbow, which causes discomfort on the outer side of the elbow, golfer’s elbow is pain on the inner side due to repetitive gripping or wrist flexion. And it’s not just a simple inflammation – it’s your tendon’s way of waving a red flag, telling you it’s struggling to handle repeated stress or overuse.

How does it develop?

Golfer’s elbow usually doesn’t appear overnight – it tends to sneak up slowly, building with repeated strain over time. Sports like golf, tennis, padel, and weightlifting are common culprits, but everyday movements can be just as sneaky. Carrying groceries, lifting little children, typing for hours, or even using hand tools repeatedly can all put extra stress on the tendons.

Sometimes it’s not just what you do, but how you do it. Poor technique or sudden increases in activity – like adding heavier weights or cranking up the intensity of your training – can overload the elbow, leaving your tendons struggling to keep up. Even the small stuff, like opening jars or turning keys, can add up if your tendons aren’t given enough time to recover.

Recognising the symptoms  

Paying attention to the first hints of discomfort can prevent golfer’s elbow from becoming a long-term problem. Keep an eye out for signs like:

• Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow, especially when you’re gripping, twisting, or lifting objects – even everyday items like a bag.
• Stiffness in the forearm, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity, when your elbow feels tight or heavy.
• Weakness in your grip, making simple tasks like holding tools or weights more challenging than usual.
• Pain that worsens with repeated activity, but may temporarily ease with rest.
• Recurring discomfort that keeps coming back, even after it seems to settle.

Who is more at risk  

Golfer’s elbow can affect anyone, but some people are naturally more prone to it. You might be more likely to develop it if you:

• Are an adult between 35 and 50, when tendons can become less resilient with age.
• Do repetitive wrist or forearm movements in your work, hobbies, or sports, putting repeated strain on the elbow.
• Suddenly increase the intensity or volume of your activities, like adding heavier weights or longer practice sessions.
• Have pre-existing tendon or elbow issues that make the tendons more vulnerable.
• Use poor ergonomics at work, home, or during sports, which can subtly overload the elbow over time.

Being aware of these risk factors gives you a head start in making small adjustments that protect your elbows and help prevent pain before it starts.

When to visit your physiotherapist  

If you notice that discomfort persists despite rest, your grip feels weaker than usual, or you notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the elbow, it’s a clear sign that professional support could help.

Want to know what the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow is? Read the next blog in this series: Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: How to Tell the Difference.

Struggling with everyday tasks due to elbow pain? Our physiotherapists can help. Click here to book your appointment at Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy.