What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?

The inner elbow may feel sore when pressed or when you bend the wrist, make a fist, turn a doorknob, lift a bag, or swing a club. Pain may begin during activity and linger afterwards. Grip strength can feel reduced because gripping loads the forearm tendons attached near the inner elbow. Stiffness or aching may be more noticeable after rest. Tingling in the ring or little finger is not a defining tendon symptom and may suggest irritation of a nearby nerve, so mention it during an assessment. Golfer's elbow is also called medial epicondylitis.

Temporarily reduce the lifts, throws, tools, or racquet and club activities that reproduce the pain. Keep the elbow moving within a comfortable range and avoid repeatedly testing a painful grip. A clinician can compare elbow movement, tendon loading, grip, and nerve symptoms. [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) may use graded exercises and activity changes; [Shockwave Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/shockwave-therapy/) or a [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) may be discussed when appropriate.

Book an assessment when elbow or forearm pain interferes with work, sleep, sport, or daily gripping, or when it continues despite reducing the trigger. Seek prompt care after a major injury, if the elbow looks deformed, if you cannot move it, or if the arm becomes numb or weak. Fever, marked warmth, or spreading redness also needs urgent medical review.

Could my symptoms involve the inner elbow tendon, a nerve, or the joint itself? Which gripping tasks should I change? What exercises are suitable now, and when should I progress them?