Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump called the medial epicondyle. Despite the name, it doesn’t just affect golfers — it’s also common in baseball players, carpenters, mechanics, and anyone who performs repetitive wrist flexion or gripping motions.

Overuse of these tendons leads to tiny tears and inflammation, resulting in pain, tenderness, and weakness when gripping or lifting objects. Without proper treatment, it can progress to chronic degeneration of the tendon, known as tendinosis.

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas receive expert, personalized care that targets both pain relief and long-term tendon healing.

The tendons that flex your wrist and fingers attach to the inner (medial) part of the elbow. When these tendons are repeatedly strained — from swinging, lifting, or twisting — they develop small microtears. The body’s natural healing response can cause inflammation, swelling, and scarring, which leads to pain and stiffness during daily activity.

This condition mirrors tennis elbow, but it occurs on the opposite side of the joint and affects different muscles and tendons.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

While sports like golf or baseball are well-known causes, any activity involving repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting of the wrist can lead to golfer’s elbow.

Common causes include: