Medial Epicondylitis (golfer's Elbow)

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Medial epicondylitis ("golfer's elbow") is a flexor-pronator tendinopathy at its origin on the medial epicondyle, involving primarily the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres. As with lateral epicondylitis, the pathology is tendinosis not inflammation. It occurs in golfers, throwers, and workers who perform repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation. It is less common than lateral epicondylitis. The ulnar nerve is in close proximity and may be involved concurrently (carpal tunnel syndrome). The ulnar nerve passes through the cubital tunnel — a bony groove behind the medial…">cubital tunnel syndrome).

Medial elbow pain at the medial epicondyle, worsened by resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Tenderness just anterior and distal to the medial epicondyle. Valgus stress test of the elbow and ulnar nerve evaluation are important to exclude UCL injury and concurrent cubital tunnel syndrome. Ultrasound and MRI confirm intratendinous pathology.

1. NSAIDs

   Acute symptom management.

2. Corticosteroid injection

   Short-term relief; same cautions as lateral epicondylitis.

3. PRP injection

   Preferred biologic intervention for persistent tendinosis.

Refractory cases after 6–12 months of comprehensive non-operative care.

External patient-education references and related OSI pages for additional background:

• Britannica — Tendinitis
• Britannica — Joint (anatomy)
• AAOS OrthoInfo — patient education library
• OSI glossary — orthopedic terminology in plain language