Inner Elbow Pain: Is It Golfer's Elbow?

What golfer's elbow is

Golfer's elbow, medically medial epicondylitis, is irritation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. Those muscles flex the wrist and fingers and help you grip, so repeated gripping, flexing, and throwing can overload them. Despite the name, many people who get it do not play golf.

Who gets it and why

Anyone who repeats the same gripping or wrist-flexing motion can develop it. Common examples include:

• Golfers, especially with a hard grip or poor swing mechanics
• Throwers and racquet-sport players
• Weight training with heavy pulling or curling
• Carpenters, plumbers, and other manual workers
• Anyone carrying heavy bags or tools for long periods

What it feels like

Typical signs are pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, pain that spreads along the forearm, a weak grip, and stiffness. It may hurt to shake hands, turn a wrench, or lift something with the palm up. It often builds gradually.

About the tingling

Some people notice tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers. The ulnar nerve, often called the funny bone nerve, runs close to the inner elbow and can be irritated at the same time or on its own. Tingling or numbness that persists should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, because it points to a nerve and not only a tendon.

Golfer's elbow versus tennis elbow

The two are mirror images. Golfer's elbow is on the inside of the elbow, tennis elbow on the outside. Both are linked to repetitive use and both can improve with attention to load, technique, and tool setup, though how long they take varies from person to person.

When to get evaluated first

See a healthcare professional promptly for:

• Elbow pain after a fall or sudden injury, or a pop with weakness
• Visible deformity or significant swelling
• Persistent numbness or tingling, or worsening hand weakness
• Fever, redness, or warmth over the joint

Grip, tools, and technique

Small details can matter: a grip that is too tight, a tool handle that is too thin, a swing or throwing motion that loads the inner elbow, or lifting with the palm up and the elbow bent. A coach, trainer, or therapist can watch you work or play and point out changes. Ask your provider and physician what suits your situation.

Questions worth asking

Ask your clinician what is behind the pain, whether the nerve could be involved, which movements to limit, and how you will both know whether things are improving. Noting which tasks hurt most, and at what time of day, gives your clinician and us something concrete to work with.

If your clinician suggests ice or cold therapy

Ice is the best-known form of cold therapy, and many clinicians suggest it for sore, irritated areas. HPC is also a form of cold therapy, applied differently: high-pressure CO₂ rapidly cools the skin over the area, with an intense cold that passes quickly. A treatment takes about 3 to 6 minutes per area, where an ice pack session is often 15 to 20 minutes.

If your doctor has recommended ice or cold therapy for your problem, ask whether HPC may be a good fit. Results vary, and HPC is not a substitute for medical care.

What a visit with us looks like

Every visit starts with a free consultation. We ask where it hurts, what you have been told it is, what you have already tried, and whether anything about your health or history means we should not treat. If you are comfortable and it is appropriate, treatment can be done in the same session.

Treatment itself is brief. High-pressure CO₂ is used to rapidly cool the skin over the inner elbow and forearm, usually about 3 to 6 minutes per area, and a first visit typically takes 10 to 20 minutes including the consultation. There are no needles and no medication. Most people describe an intense cold that passes quickly. Same-day appointments are often available at our Mineola and Rockville Centre locations.

How many visits, and what about the next flare?

For most people, we recommend an initial series of four to five sessions, then we check how you are doing. Many patients report relief after one or two visits, although individual responses may vary. After the series, we suggest watching to see whether and when the pain returns.

If it does come back, we suggest coming in at the first sign instead of waiting for it to build. Many times a tune-up of 1 or 2 sessions is enough. Discounted packages are available at our Rockville Centre location if you expect to come in more than once.

How High-Pressure Cryotherapy may fit

HPC uses high-pressure CO₂ to rapidly cool the skin over the inner elbow. It may help with pain and inflammation so carrying and gripping feel more comfortable. The underlying condition is the main factor in how much.

Think of it as symptom management for the inner elbow: not a cure, but for many people it may help ease inflammation and pain.

HPC is not a substitute for medical care and does not replace a diagnosis.

Frequently asked questions

This article is educational and is not medical advice. Individual results vary.