Medial Epicondylitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Medial Epicondylitis?
An orthopedic doctor, a doctor who treats bones, joints, and tendons, usually treats medial epicondylitis, also called golfer's elbow. A sports medicine doctor, who cares for overuse injuries, may help too. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is soreness or pain on the inside of the lower arm near the elbow. It is commonly called golfer's elbow. Overuse or overexertion can cause it. Overuse means repeating the same motions again and again.
Tendons are strong cords that attach muscle to bone. Tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the inside of the elbow. They can partly tear and wear down over time, which leads to pain. Many activities can cause it, including throwing, tennis, and weightlifting. It can also happen in people who are not athletes.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the inner part of the elbow, sometimes with shooting pain toward the hand.
- Pain that runs along the inside of the forearm to the wrist.
- Pain when you bend your wrist with the palm down, or when you shake hands.
- A weak grip.
- Less movement in the wrist or elbow because of pain.
- Numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers in some people.
Symptoms often grow worse slowly, over weeks to months.
Causes and who gets it
Repeated motions of the forearm muscles injure the tendon where it attaches to the inside of the elbow. Poor swing technique or the wrong equipment may raise the risk in sports.
Golf, baseball and other throwing sports, tennis, and weight training can all cause it. So can repeated twisting of the wrist, such as using a screwdriver. Some jobs make it more likely, including painters, plumbers, construction workers, cooks, assembly-line workers, computer users, and butchers. It usually occurs in adults between the ages of 40 and 60.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, such as whether you had a specific injury and what activities cause the pain. Then the doctor will press on the inside of the elbow to check for tenderness and test your strength.
An X-ray is commonly ordered. It does not show tendons, but it makes sure you do not have a fracture or arthritis. An ultrasound or an MRI, a detailed scan, may be used to see how serious the tendon injury is. These are usually ordered only if symptoms last a long time and do not respond to treatment without surgery.
Treatment
Most cases can be treated effectively without surgery. The main goals are to relieve pain, rehabilitate the injured tendon, and keep the problem from coming back.
For pain, treatment usually starts with:
- Rest. Avoid the activity that causes symptoms. Your provider may suggest at least 2 to 3 weeks or longer, until the pain goes away.
- Ice. Apply ice several times a day for 20 minutes at a time. Wrap it in a cloth or towel. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
- Anti-inflammatory pain medicine (NSAIDs) for a short time, if you can take them. Some people have conditions, such as kidney disease, or take other medicines that make NSAIDs dangerous.
Steroid injections may sometimes be considered. They can give early relief. Some research suggests they may lengthen recovery and worsen tendon damage, so talk about the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Stretching and strengthening exercises have long been the main treatment. You may work with a physical or occupational therapist. Changing your sports technique or your equipment can help.
Surgery is usually considered only after several months of other treatment without improvement, or for long-standing symptoms. Surgery removes the damaged part of the tendon. Normal activities and sports can usually resume 3 to 6 months after surgery. Elbow pain usually gets better without surgery.
When to see a doctor
Contact your provider if this is the first time you have had these symptoms. Also call if your elbow feels like it catches or is unstable, or if home treatment does not relieve the symptoms. Get care if symptoms get worse or come with numbness and tingling that goes down your forearm.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either kind of doctor can examine the elbow, order first tests such as an X-ray, and help you plan changes to your activities. They can also refer you to an orthopedic or sports medicine doctor if needed.
Common questions
Is golfer's elbow only caused by golf?
No. Golf is one possible cause, but many other activities can cause it, including overhead throwing, tennis, and weightlifting. It can also develop in people who are not athletes, or without a specific injury.
Does medial epicondylitis need surgery?
Usually no. Most cases can be treated effectively without surgery. Surgery is usually considered only after several months of other treatment without improvement, or when symptoms are long-standing.
Can golfer's elbow cause numbness in the fingers?
Sometimes. Some people with golfer's elbow also develop numbness and tingling in the ring and pinky fingers. This can happen when the nearby ulnar nerve becomes irritated.
How long should I rest from the activity that caused it?
Your provider may suggest resting for at least 2 to 3 weeks or longer, until the pain goes away.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
- MedlinePlus - Medial epicondylitis - golfer's elbow
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
