Medial Epicondylitis
What is Medial Epicondylitis?
The elbow joint is where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius and the ulna (two forearm bones). Several muscles, ligaments, and tendons keep the elbow joint stable. The muscles that control your wrist and fingers attach to the medial epicondyle on the inside of the elbow. When these muscles are overused, the tendons can develop small tears and inflammation, leading to golfer’s elbow.
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, is a type of tendinitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow. The condition is typically associated with repetitive movements of the wrist and fingers, and despite its name, it doesn’t only affect golfers but also people who perform activities that involve the repetitive use of these muscles.
As a fellowship trained elbow surgeon, Dr. Ben Mayo has expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of medial epicondylitis. Dr. Mayo offers comprehensive care to patients in the Detroit area with elbow pain. If you are in need of an orthopedic elbow surgeon, contact Dr. Ben Mayo and his team today to be seen at one of his offices in Livonia or Sterling Heights.
Medial epicondylitis typically occurs due to excessive force on the tendons in the elbow from repetitive gripping, swinging or throwing activities. This leads to tiny tears in the tendon and inflammation, causing pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow and forearm, often extending to the wrist. This discomfort may worsen with certain movements, such as gripping or lifting. In some cases, there may be stiffness in the elbow, weakness in the hands and wrists, or numbness and tingling in the fingers.
With adequate rest and appropriate treatment, golfer’s elbow often heals on its own. However, it can sometimes take several months for the pain to completely subside.
Medial epicondylitis is typically diagnosed based on a physical examination and a review of your medical history. As a specialist in elbow injuries, Dr. Mayo may apply pressure to the affected area or ask you to move your elbow, wrist, and fingers in various ways to determine where your pain may be coming from. Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, might also be used to rule out other causes of elbow pain.
The initial treatment for golfer’s elbow usually includes rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and physical therapy. Other nonsurgical treatments include the use of a brace, steroid injections, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. If conservative treatments don’t help or if the tendon is torn, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Surgery is generally considered if the pain from golfer’s elbow hasn’t improved after 6 to 12 months of conservative treatments. The decision and timing for surgery depend on individual circumstances, the severity of symptoms, and the patient’s overall health status.
Surgical procedures for golfer’s elbow involve removing damaged tissues and possibly repairing the tendon. This can be done through an open incision or arthroscopically, using small instruments and a camera.
Recovery following surgery usually includes a period of rest, followed by a physical therapy program designed to restore normal elbow function. The process can take several months, but most patients can expect a full recovery with proper rehabilitation.
Schedule a elbow consultation
Dr. Ben Mayo is a fellowship trained elbow surgeon who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex elbow problems such as medial epicondylitis. Dr. Mayo is regarded as one of the best elbow surgeons in Michigan, and delivers tailored care that suits your needs, helping you return to your sport, your job, or your everyday activities as quickly and safely as possible. Dr. Mayo is conveniently located with clinics in Sterling Heights and Livonia to serve the nearby communities such as Troy, Canton, Macomb, Farmington Hills, Novi, and Royal Oak. If you are having elbow pain from medial epicondylitis, contact Dr. Mayo to schedule a consultation today.
At a Glance
Ben Mayo, MD
- Fellowship Trained Sports Surgeon
- Specializes in Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Shoulder, Elbow, Hip, & Knee Surgery
- Published over 50 peer-reviewed articles and 10 book chapters
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