Golfers elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a painful injury that can persist for a long time. On average, 7 out of 1000 people develop a golfer’s elbow. The risk is highest for individuals aged 40 to 50 years, with 13 out of 1000 affected.

Although the name suggests otherwise, anyone can develop a golfer’s elbow  not only golfers. Golfers are simply more prone due to the specific forces placed on the tendon attachments during the swing. After six months, around 80% of people experience significant improvement, and after one year approximately 90% have recovered with conservative treatment consisting of physiotherapy combined with an elbow brace.

A golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow (in contrast to a tennis elbow, which causes pain on the outside). The pain can also radiate into the forearm. How do you recognise a golfer’s elbow, and what can you do about it?