Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Surgery Treatment
Golfer’s elbow — medically known as medial epicondylitis — is a painful condition caused by inflammation or microscopic tearing of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, this elbow injury is not limited to golfers. It is common among baseball players, tennis and racquetball players, weightlifters, and anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist-flexion movements — including manual laborers and office workers. Symptoms typically develop gradually and include pain along the inner elbow that worsens with gripping or lifting, stiffness when bending or straightening the arm, weakness in the hand and wrist, and in some cases tingling that radiates into the ring and pinky fingers. Left untreated, golfer’s elbow can become chronic and progressively limit your ability to perform basic daily activities.
Dr. Jonathan Glashow is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine specialist, and Clinical Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, with over 30 years of experience treating overuse and repetitive-stress injuries of the elbow. A member of both the Society for Tennis Medicine and the Medical Advisory Board of Sports Lab NYC, he has a deep understanding of the biomechanics behind medial epicondylitis — and as Chief Medical Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia 76ers, he routinely manages these injuries in professional athletes who depend on grip strength and arm function for their careers. Named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor every year since 2000 and recognized as a New York Magazine “Best Doctor” multiple times over, Dr. Glashow treats golfer’s elbow with a conservative-first approach at his Upper East Side practice in New York City, reserving surgery for cases that do not respond to non-operative care.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
- Gradual onset of symptoms
- Mild discomfort when bending or straightening the elbow
- Increasing soreness or stiffness during or after play or practice
- Pain when shaking hands, holding a briefcase, turning a doorknob, or performing any hand movements that involve lifting or grabbing
- Grip and wrist weakness
- Tingling sensation in one or more fingers
Golfer’s elbow symptoms are very similar to a condition called cubital tunnel syndrome. This condition is caused by a pinched nerve at the elbow. If your pain does not respond to treatments for golfer’s elbow, your doctor may suggest tests to rule out problems with the ulnar nerve.
You will need to get X-rays of your elbow (our NYC orthopedic surgeons offer same day x-rays). The X-rays mostly the orthopedic surgeon’s doctor rule out other problems with the elbow joint and make a precise determination. The X-ray may show if there are calcium deposits on the medial epicondyle at the connection to the flexor tendon.
A commonly used orthopedic surgery for Golfer’s Elbow is called a medial epicondyle release also referred to as “tendon release surgery”. This orthopedic surgery takes tension off the flexor tendon. This quick and effective surgery can usually be performed on an outpatient basis. It can be either be performed using a general anesthesia or a regional anesthesia.
When problems are caused by tendonosis, your orthopedic surgeons may choose to take out (debride) only the affected tissues within the tendon. In these cases, the surgeon cleans up the tendon, removing only the damaged tissue. This type of surgery is called “tendon debridement”.
Our best in class Upper East Side, NYC, orthopedic surgeons pride ourselves with providing you highly personalized and comprehensive care for your Golfer’s Elbow surgery. Our philosophy of direct physician-to-patient care at every visit has made us one of the most trusted and respected orthopedic practices on the Upper East Side. Feel free to contact our NYC orthopedic surgeons today, at any time, and start yourself on the road to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Golfer’s Elbow
What is the difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow?
Both conditions involve tendon inflammation at the elbow, but they affect different sides of the joint. Golfer’s elbow — medial epicondylitis — involves the tendons on the inner side of the elbow that control wrist flexion and grip strength. Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis — affects the tendons on the outer side that control wrist extension. The two conditions can produce overlapping symptoms, but the location of the pain and the specific movements that trigger it help Dr. Glashow distinguish between them during a clinical examination.
Can golfer’s elbow heal on its own without treatment?
Mild cases may improve with rest, activity modification, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. However, many patients who try to push through the pain without addressing the underlying tendon damage find that symptoms become chronic and progressively worsen. A structured treatment plan — which may include physical therapy, bracing, and targeted exercises — significantly improves the likelihood of a full recovery and helps prevent the condition from becoming a long-term problem.
What non-surgical treatments does Dr. Glashow recommend for golfer’s elbow?
Dr. Glashow takes a conservative-first approach and typically begins with a combination of rest and activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy focused on forearm strengthening and flexibility, counterforce bracing, and in some cases corticosteroid injections or biologic therapies such as PRP or bone marrow concentrate to accelerate tendon healing. The specific treatment plan is tailored to the severity of the condition, the patient’s activity level, and how long symptoms have been present.
When is surgery necessary for golfer’s elbow?
Surgery is generally considered only after six to twelve months of conservative treatment has failed to provide adequate relief. Dr. Glashow may recommend a medial epicondyle release — which reduces tension on the affected tendon — or a tendon debridement, which removes only the damaged tissue within the tendon while preserving healthy structures. Both procedures can typically be performed on an outpatient basis with either general or regional anesthesia, and most patients experience significant improvement in pain and function after surgery.
How long does recovery take after golfer’s elbow surgery?
Most patients can begin gentle range-of-motion exercises within the first one to two weeks after surgery. A progressive physical therapy program follows, gradually reintroducing forearm strengthening over the next several weeks. Light daily activities typically resume within two to four weeks, and a full return to sports or heavy manual work generally takes three to four months depending on the demands of the activity. Dr. Glashow coordinates rehabilitation closely with physical therapists to ensure each patient’s recovery stays on track.
How can I prevent golfer’s elbow from coming back?
Recurrence is common if the biomechanical factors that originally caused the condition are not corrected. Dr. Glashow recommends a maintenance program that includes regular forearm stretching and strengthening exercises, proper warm-up before sports or physical work, attention to grip technique and equipment sizing in racquet and club sports, ergonomic adjustments for repetitive workplace tasks, and gradual progression when increasing training intensity or volume. Addressing these factors proactively is the most effective way to protect the tendon long-term.
