Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a condition that occurs whenever the tendons on the inside of the forearm have become irritated, inflamed, and painful because of the repetitive use of the hand, wrist, and forearm. A tendon is a soft tissue that is attached to a bone.
The muscles that are affected by Golfer’s Elbow are those that bend the wrist, fingers, and thumb and turn or hold the wrist and forearm so that the palm can face downward. The muscle group comes together and attaches to the humerus bone (the bone in the upper arm). As the muscles in this group spread across the elbow and wrist, they stabilize the elbow and allow for wrist movement.
There is a bony bump called the medial epicondyle that is located along the inside of the elbow. Pain can occur on or near this bump, wherein the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bone. Repetitive forces may cause the tendon to become even more tender and irritated. Therefore, without any treatment, these forces can cause the tendon to tear away from the bone. Generally, Golfer’s Elbow is a common chronic overuse injury that is usually associated with sports (especially golf, hence the name).