Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis causes pain and discomfort on the inside of the elbow. The condition doesn’t just affect keen golfers; a direct injury or repetitive strain can also trigger the problem. The good news is that golfer’s elbow frequently resolves without treatment. However, this can take time, leaving you with pain that can limit your ability to enjoy sports and make the most of life.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers the very latest investigations and management for golfer’s elbow. The world-leading orthopaedic specialists work with an expert multidisciplinary team to reduce your pain and restore movement, so that you can get back on the course or back to everyday activity.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides comprehensive care for golfer’s elbow. Rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and steroid injections provide relief for most people. In addition, the expert orthopaedic surgeons at the London Orthopaedic Clinic can offer viscosupplement injections, regenerative therapies such as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP/ACP) or shockwave therapy. If conservative measures have not helped they can operate to remove the damaged part of the tendon and support your healthy rehabilitation.

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is pain and inflammation of the medial epicondyle, the bony lump on the inside of the elbow. It can arise as a result of direct injury or secondary to overuse of the group of tendons that work to bend your wrist and fingers. Small tears, inflammation and swelling develop, making the tendon stiff and causing pain and movement restriction.

Golfer’s elbow most commonly develops because of overuse and repetitive strain. This can be from a problematic golf swing, racket sports, carpentry or other activities that require repeated wrist movement or finger clenching.

For most people with golfer’s elbow, the condition will resolve in several months without treatment, however some people can suffer ongoing pain and problems. If your elbow is restricting your ability to work or play, the specialists at the London Orthopaedic Clinic can help.

What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow can come on suddenly or build up over time. It causes pain, swelling and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. The pain can be a dull ache or a shooting pain down the forearm, and is typically triggered by gripping objects or bending the elbow.

The elbow can become increasingly stiff and movement may be restricted.

Many people experience wrist weakness, a decrease in grip strength and symptoms of numbness and tingling in the ring and little finger.

How can the London Orthopaedic Clinic help with golfer’s elbow?

The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s consultant surgeons will make a thorough assessment of your elbow and arrange investigation by X-ray, ultrasound or MRI, in the clinic’s state-of-the-art imaging suite. They will then tailor a treatment programme to resolve your symptoms. This can include:

Self-help advice

Most people with golfer’s elbow can resolve the condition by resting the limb and avoiding golf or other activities that trigger pain. Regular pain medication, ice packs and topical anti-inflammatory products can provide symptomatic relief. It’s also important to modify activities that cause pain. A golf professional or tennis coach can check your equipment and your technique. They may help you change your swing or serve to prevent the condition recurring.

Specialist physiotherapy

The London Orthopaedic Clinic’s expert physiotherapy team can advise on ways to modify any activities that irritate and inflame your elbow. They will prescribe a tailored programme of stretches and strengthening exercises to keep the forearm strong and mobile. The physiotherapists may use targeted massage, manipulation and ultrasound therapy to reduce pain and increase the range of movement.

Occupational therapy

Medial epicondyle release surgery

Under general anaesthetic, a small incision is made on the inside of the elbow. The specialist surgeon will carefully remove the damaged area of tendon and clean away any scar tissue, debris or bony spurs. Small holes are created in the bone to improve blood supply and help healing, then the healthy part of the tendon is attached to the bone.

The operation is usually performed as a day case, so you will be able to go home on the same day. However. the London Orthopaedic Clinic’s expert rehabilitation team will monitor your progress and support your safe recovery.

Splints and supports

Steroid injections

Shockwave therapy

PRP/ACP injections

Platelet rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma (ACP), is an innovative and effective treatment for the treatment of golfer’s elbow. A sample of your own blood is taken and treated so that the plasma and platelets are extracted and concentrated. These are injected into the elbow to speed up healing, reducing the need for surgery.

Surgery is rarely needed for golfer’s elbow necessary. However, if pain hasn’t responded to treatment within 6-12 months, the consultant orthopaedic surgeons at the London Orthopaedic clinic can operate to resolve the problem.

Shockwave Therapy – innovative, non-invasive treatment for relief of heel and Achilles pain, tennis elbow and more.

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This cutting edge, non-surgical therapy offers fast pain relief and mobility restoration, making it an ideal alternative to surgery for a wide range of conditions.

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Why choose the London Orthopaedic Clinic?

The London Orthopaedic Clinic provides high-quality, expert orthopaedic and musculoskeletal care, tailored to the individual needs of our patients. The Clinic is based at Mayo Clinic Healthcare, at the heart of London’s internationally renowned Harley Street medical district. The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers cutting-edge diagnostics, treatment, management and personalised care.

The expert multi-disciplinary team includes more than 25 leading orthopaedic surgeons, pain management specialists and radiologists. They work together to reduce pain, improve movement and make a real difference to patients’ lives.

The London Orthopaedic Clinic offers patients something truly unique: access to world-leading experts, high-tech imaging and the latest innovative treatments, together with the feeling of trust and safety of a small family practice.

Minimally-invasive golfers' elbow surgery costs

The investigation and treatment of golfer’s elbow at the London Orthopaedic Clinic may be covered by your health insurance policy. Competitive packages are also available for patients who are self-paying. Contact a member of our friendly team on 020 7186 1000 or at info@londonorthopaedic.com to find out more.