Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

What are the causes of golfer’s elbow?

This injury is caused by repetitive stress and strenuous actions involving the wrist (e.g., gripping, twisting, flexing, etc.) and fingers. It is common among those who regularly participate in sports, jobs, or hobbies that heavily rely on repetitive wrist movements.

Sports-related causes 

• Golf (especially with poor technique or improper equipment).
• Throwing sports (e.g., baseball, softball, football, and javelin).
• Racket sports (e.g., tennis, pickleball).
• Weight-training.

Occupational and hobby-related causes 

Occupations and hobbies that require repetitive tasks like hammering, wrenching, twisting, shoveling, operating chainsaws, raking, or typing can also trigger golfer’s elbow. These may include:

• Carpentry.
• Construction.
• Plumbing.
• Painting.
• Assembly lines.
• Crochet and knitting.

What are the signs & symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Pain, tenderness, stiffness, and tingling on the inside of the elbow that also radiates into the forearm, hand, and fingers are common golfer’s elbow symptoms. Additional signs may include:

• Tenderness.
• Pain with activity.
• Stiffness.
• Weakness.
• Ulnar nerve involvement (e.g., numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers).

When should you see a doctor?

Persistent pain despite rest

Avoiding repetitive tasks, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter pain relievers often help ease the discomfort of golfer’s elbow. 

If your pain does not improve after a few weeks of self-care, it’s time to consult your primary care provider. They can confirm whether it’s golfer’s elbow, rule out other conditions, and recommend a personalized treatment plan (e.g., medication, injections, or other procedures).

Impact on daily activities or sports

Seek medical care if you notice one or more of the following:

• Pain that continues to worsen despite rest and self-care.
• Discomfort that interferes with your daily routine.
• An inability to participate in your usual sports, activities, or hobbies.

How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?

When you visit Texas Endovascular for golfer’s elbow, your provider will start with a thorough evaluation, which may include:

• A physical exam to check for pain, tenderness, and range of motion in the affected arm and elbow.
• Imaging (if necessary) to confirm your diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Imaging may include X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

This process helps ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment tailored to your unique needs and recovery goals.

How is golfer’s elbow treated?

Rest your arm and stop all activities that aggravate inside elbow pain at the first sign of pain.

Depending on the severity of your golfer’s elbow, your provider may recommend conservative therapies first and, if needed, more advanced procedures. 

Conservative options

According to the Cleveland Clinic, the large majority of people find relief with non-surgical care, such as:

• Rest and activity modification (e.g., no gripping, lifting, or swinging motions).
• Ice therapy to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatories for short-term relief.
• Bracing or splinting to reduce strain on the tendons.
• Physical therapy to stretch, strengthen, restore mobility, and promote healing.

Transarterial Elbow Embolization (TAE)

Transarterial elbow embolization (TAE) is an IR-led image-guided procedure, making it more precise and less invasive than other leading procedures. It’s innovative and currently performed in select centers, including Texas Endovascular. 

The board-certified interventional radiologists at Texas Endovascular are specially trained in TAE, ensuring you receive high-quality, minimally invasive care close to home. 

What is TAE and how does it work?

Texas Endovascular offers TAE treatment for golfer’s elbow. This image-guided, minimally invasive procedure reduces the abnormal blood flow around the inflamed tendon responsible for pain and inflammation. 

Using advanced imaging, your interventional radiologist threads a tiny catheter into the blood vessels near the elbow joint, delivering microscopic particles to block the flow of blood, helping the tendon heal naturally.

Step-by-step overview of the TAE procedure

1. Accessing the artery: A small catheter (a thin, flexible tube) is inserted through a tiny puncture in the wrist or groin.
2. Guiding the catheter:  Using X-ray imaging, the interventional radiologist guides the catheter to the arteries supplying the inflamed elbow tendon.
3. Injecting the embolic agents: Microscopic particles are injected into targeted arteries, blocking the abnormal blood vessels and reducing blood flow to the inflamed area.
4. Catheter removal: Once the abnormal blood vessels are blocked, the catheter is removed, and a bandage is applied to the puncture site.

Benefits of TAE vs. surgery

TAE is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery, offering relief without the downsides of traditional surgery (e.g., incisions, hospitalization, infection risk, more extended recovery periods, etc.). 

• Outpatient procedure: No hospitalization or long recovery periods.
• Minimally invasive: No large incisions or open tendon repair.
• Reduced risks: Pain, infection, scarring, or surgical complications.
• Improved function: Range of motion, grip strength, and overall elbow mobility.
• Faster recovery: Return home the same day and resume light activities within one to two days. Full return to strenuous activities and sports at two weeks.
• Surgical avoidance: In suitable cases, TAE can help patients avoid surgical intervention.

TAE recovery & results

Typical recovery timeline

Most patients return home the same day as the TAE procedure, and light activity is usually possible the next day. Avoidance of strenuous exercise or work requirements with the affected arm is recommended for two weeks.  

Pain reduction and function improvement expectations

• Many patients notice pain relief within the first few weeks.
• Function and mobility continue to improve over the following months.
• TAE offers long-term relief for most patients, allowing them to return to sports, hobbies, work, and daily routines without discomfort.

Why choose Texas Endovascular?

When you trust your care to Texas Endovascular, you’ll get trusted expertise and compassionate support. We specialize in golfer’s elbow treatment as well as a range of vascular conditions, offering advanced, patient-focused care.

Choose us for:

• Board-certified interventional radiologists with extensive experience.
• Proven results backed by evidence-based care.
• A minimally invasive approach designed to reduce risk, discomfort, and recovery time.

If you or a loved one is concerned about inner elbow pain, complete our arterial/venous screening questions, and request an appointment at your nearest Texas Endovascular location for expert care tailored to your needs.

FAQs

Is golfer’s elbow the same as tennis elbow?

No. Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons in the inner elbow, while tennis elbow affects the tendons in the outer elbow.

Can golfer’s elbow heal on its own?

Yes. Mild to moderate golfer’s elbow injuries can heal on their own with activity modification, rest, ice, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories. However, severe cases often require medical attention.

How long does it take to recover?

With regular activity modification and at-home therapies, mild to moderate golfer’s elbow can heal within a few weeks. If your pain does not improve after a few weeks of self-care, it’s time to consult your primary care provider.

What happens if golfer’s elbow is untreated?

If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can lead to chronic pain, limited range of motion in the elbow, and a weakened grip. These symptoms can negatively impact daily activities and athletic performance.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, severe cases of untreated golfer’s elbow can result in permanent nerve damage that limits your elbow’s range of motion, leading to chronic pain and a weakened grip.