What does elbow pain feel like with golfer's elbow?

Pain may be centred around the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow, with tenderness extending into the upper forearm. Opening a jar, carrying a bag, shaking hands, or repeated wrist movement can bring it on. Some people notice aching after activity, while others feel pain during a firm grip or resisted wrist movement. Grip strength may feel reduced because using the forearm muscles is uncomfortable.

This pattern can overlap with nerve irritation or other elbow conditions. The position of the tenderness, neck and arm symptoms, and strength findings help a clinician work out what is happening.

Temporarily scale back gripping and lifting that clearly increases symptoms, and keep the wrist and elbow moving gently within a comfortable range. Change hand position or use two hands when possible. Physiotherapy may include gradual strengthening of the forearm, with the load increased according to symptoms. A supportive strap can help some people, but fit and use should be checked by a professional. Do not push through sharp or escalating pain.

Book an assessment if the pain continues, returns whenever normal activity resumes, or interferes with grip, work, or sleep. Seek urgent care if symptoms follow a major injury, or if there is marked swelling, redness, heat, fever, sudden weakness, or loss of feeling in the hand.

Ask which activities are safe while the tendon settles, how to progress strengthening, and whether your grip or wrist should be tested. Ask what improvement should look like and which changes would require an earlier review.