Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

 

Specialist Upper Limb Assessment and Treatment in Rochdale

 

Golfer’s elbow is a common cause of pain on the inside of the elbow and forearm. Despite its name, it often affects people who do not play golf and can interfere with work, sport and everyday activities.

Mr Robin Seagger is a fellowship-trained shoulder and upper limb surgeon in Rochdale, specialising in the assessment and treatment of golfer’s elbow and other elbow conditions.

 

 

What is golfer’s elbow?

 

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is caused by overuse or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow.

 

Rather than being a simple inflammatory condition, it usually involves:

 

• Microscopic tendon damage

• Tendon degeneration over time

• Repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist-flexion activities

 

It commonly affects the dominant arm.

 

 

Who gets golfer’s elbow?

 

Golfer’s elbow is commonly seen in:

 

• Manual workers

• People performing repetitive gripping or lifting

• Racquet and throwing sport participants

• Gym users and weightlifters

• People aged 30–60

 

Symptoms often develop gradually without a single obvious injury.

 

 

Common symptoms

 

Symptoms of golfer’s elbow may include:

 

• Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow

• Pain when gripping, lifting or twisting

• Weakness in the forearm or hand

• Pain radiating down the inner forearm

• Stiffness or discomfort with prolonged use

 

Symptoms may fluctuate and can become persistent if untreated.

 

 

How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?

 

Diagnosis is usually based on:

 

• A detailed history of symptoms and activities

• Clinical examination of the elbow and forearm

• Specific tests that reproduce pain at the medial epicondyle

 

Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used in long-standing or atypical cases.

 

 

Does golfer’s elbow get better on its own?

 

In many cases, golfer’s elbow improves with time, but recovery can be slow and symptoms may persist for several months.

 

Treatment aims to:

 

• Reduce pain

• Improve tendon health

• Restore strength and function

• Minimise the risk of recurrence

 

 

Treatment options

 

 

Non-surgical treatment

 

Most patients improve without surgery. Treatment may include:

 

• Activity modification

• Physiotherapy focusing on tendon loading exercises

• Bracing or supports in selected cases

• Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication

• Targeted injections in selected cases

 

Treatment is tailored to individual symptoms and activity demands.

 

 

When is surgery considered?

 

Surgery may be considered when:

 

• Symptoms persist despite prolonged and appropriate non-surgical treatment

• Pain significantly affects work, sport or daily activities

• There is clear tendon degeneration on imaging

 

Surgery is usually a day-case procedure and aims to remove damaged tendon tissue and stimulate healing.

 

 

Why see a specialist upper limb surgeon?

 

Medial elbow pain can have several causes, and accurate diagnosis is essential.

Mr Robin Seagger completed additional fellowship training in shoulder and upper limb surgery after qualifying as an orthopaedic surgeon.

 

His specialist focus allows:

 

• Accurate diagnosis of elbow conditions

• Avoidance of unnecessary or ineffective treatments

• Individualised management plans

• Surgery only when genuinely indicated

 

This specialist approach helps optimise recovery and long-term function.

 

 

Local specialist care in Rochdale

 

Mr Seagger treats patients from Rochdale, Bury, Oldham, Heywood and North Manchester, providing specialist upper limb care locally without the need to travel into central Manchester.

 

Consultations and procedures take place at The Highfield Hospital, Rochdale, with access to imaging, physiotherapy and comprehensive aftercare.

 

 

Arrange a consultation

 

If you are experiencing persistent pain on the inside of your elbow that is affecting work, sport or daily activities, a specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss the most appropriate treatment options