Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Treatment
Effective golfer’s elbow treatment relieves persistent inner elbow pain, restores strength, and protects the tendon from further damage. Golfer’s elbow, also known as Medial epicondylitis, treatment typically begins with conservative care and targeted physical therapy. Most patients are able to resume their favorite activities without surgery.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our board-certified and fellowship-trained elbow specialists provide personalized elbow treatments based on the severity of symptoms, activity level, and recovery goals. In severe cases, advanced golfer’s elbow surgery may be required to restore function and long-term elbow health.
Golfer's Elbow Treatment Options
Almost all patients recover from medial epicondylitis with non-surgical treatment. Activity modification, bracing, and guided physical therapy can often heal and strengthen the damaged tendon.
Non-surgical golfer's elbow treatments include:
- Rest and modification/avoidance of activities that aggravate golfer’s elbow
- Ice applied to the affected area
- Compression wrap
- Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (such as ibuprofen) for pain and swelling
- Physical therapy to improve functional mobility, flexibility, and decrease pain
- Elbow brace to rest the affected muscles and tendons
- Heat after the initial acute phase
- Corticosteroid injections to relieve symptoms
- Reviewing your golf swing mechanics or other activity technique with a sports performance specialist to reduce tendon strain
Your orthopedic specialist will develop and oversee your golfer’s elbow treatment plan and determine when it is safe to return to sport or work activities.
When Is Golfer’s Elbow Surgery Necessary?
Golfer’s elbow surgery may be considered when medial epicondylitis continues to limit normal activity despite six to twelve months of appropriate non-surgical care. Persistent pain, weakness, or loss of function that affects work or athletic participation may indicate that the tendon has not responded to conservative treatment.
If the evaluation shows substantial tendon damage or nerve involvement, surgical intervention may be recommended instead of conservative treatment. Your orthopedic specialist will carefully evaluate what type of treatment for medial epicondylitis is most likely to improve strength, reduce pain, and restore long-term function.
Golfer’s Elbow Surgery Options and Recovery Time
Golfer’s elbow surgery is rarely required, but in rare cases when surgery is required, ittypically involves releasing and removing the damaged portion of the injured tendon where it attaches to the medial epicondyle. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure using either arthroscopic or endoscopic techniques that allows healthy tissue to reattach and heal.
Golfer's Elbow Surgery Recovery Time
Golfer’s elbow surgery recovery time varies depending on the extent of tendon damage and the surgical technique used. Most patients begin gentle motion exercises within a few weeks after surgery, followed by progressive strengthening with physical therapy.
Many people are able to resume driving after about two weeks, depending on comfort and arm strength. Return to normal daily activities often occurs within several months, although full recovery and return to sports may take longer.
Schedule an Evaluation with an Orthopedic Elbow Specialist
Persistent inner elbow pain can interfere with work, sports, daily activities, and your quality of life. Golfer's elbow treatment can alleviate your pain and restore your function so you can get back to doing what you love. The board-certified and fellowship-trained elbow specialists at Hoag Orthopedic Institute provide comprehensive care for medial epicondylitis, from non-surgical golfer’s elbow treatment to advanced surgical options when needed. Your care team will carefully evaluate your symptoms, review imaging when appropriate, and develop a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain and restore function, ultimately getting you back on the golf course.