Golfer's elbow

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Golfer's elbow is pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain may spread into your forearm and wrist.

Golfer's elbow — also known as medial epicondylitis — is similar to tennis elbow. But it occurs on the inside — rather than the outside — of your elbow. And it's not limited to golfers. Tennis players and others who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers also can develop golfer's elbow.

The pain of golfer's elbow doesn't have to keep you off the course or away from your favorite activities. With rest and appropriate treatment, you can get back into the swing of things.

References
  1. Regan WD, et al. Tendinopathies around the elbow. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/2079/28.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-3143-7..00019-1--s0225_2496. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  2. Jayanthi N. Epicondylitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  3. Weiss LD. Epicondylitis. In: Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/1678/22.html#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-4007-1..50021-3--cesec5_299. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  4. Mercier LR. Epicondylitis. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/189250272-3/968308279/2088/225.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00014-9--s2275_4609. Accessed March 16, 2010.
  5. Laskowski ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. March 19, 2010.
DS00713 May 5, 2010

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