CONDITIONS

Golfer’s elbow

Medial epicondylitis is also known as golfer’s elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow. It’s characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.

Causes

Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm. This can happen when swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include:

• Serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve

• Weak shoulder and wrist muscles

• Using a too tightly strung, too short, or too heavy tennis racket

• Throwing a javelin

• Carrying a heavy suitcase

• Chopping wood with an ax

• Operating a chain saw

• Frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis

Symptoms

Symptoms of medial epicondylitis may develop slowly, particularly when the condition has been brought on by overuse. Other people may develop symptoms suddenly, especially in the event of injury.

Symptoms associated with medial epicondylitis may be mild or severe. Some include:

• pain when flexing the wrist toward the forearm
• pain that extends from the inside of the elbow through the wrist to the pinky
• a weak grip
• pain when shaking hands
• difficulty moving the elbow
• a tingling sensation extending from the elbow to the ring and pinky fingers
• a stiff elbow
• a weakened wrist

Diagnosis

The doctor will likely ask about daily activities at home and work. In some cases, the doctor will want to take an X-ray of the arm.

The physical exam will involve laying the forearm on a table with the palm up. The doctor will then apply pressure to the hand and ask the person to flex the hand towards the wrist.

Medial epicondylitis will be diagnosed if the person experiences pain on the inner side of the arm when flexing the wrist.