top of page

Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow)

What is the Epicondyle?


The epicondyles are bony bumps on the inside (medial) and outside (lateral) of the elbow where forearm tendons attach.


What is This Condition?


  • Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): irritation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, usually involving the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow): irritation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow that flex the wrist and fingers.


What are the Symptoms?


  • Pain and tenderness on the inside or outside of the elbow

  • Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions

  • Weak grip strength

  • Discomfort that may radiate down the forearm


What Causes It?


  • Repetitive wrist and forearm motions (tennis, golf, throwing, manual work, typing)

  • Overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons

  • Sometimes no clear cause — it may develop gradually over time


How is It Diagnosed?


  • Exam: pain with resisted wrist or finger movement

  • X-rays: usually normal, but may rule out arthritis

  • MRI or ultrasound: occasionally used if diagnosis is unclear


How is It Treated?


Non-surgical:


  • Rest and activity modification

  • Ice and NSAIDs for pain relief

  • Physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles

  • Bracing or straps to reduce strain on the tendon

  • Cortisone injections for persistent pain

  • Orthobiologics (such as PRP) in select cases


Surgical:


  • Rarely needed, but involves cleaning out or repairing the damaged tendon if symptoms don’t improve after 6–12 months of non-surgical care


Learn more from AAOS (OrthoInfo):

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/

bottom of page