Golfer’s Elbow Treatment
In Singapore

If you’re experiencing pain on the inner side of your elbow that worsens with gripping or wrist movements, you may have golfer’s elbow. This common condition affects not just golfers but anyone who performs repetitive arm and wrist motions. Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon understands how this persistent pain can interfere with your daily activities, work, and sports performance. With proper diagnosis and golfer’s elbow treatment, you can return to your normal activities without the constant discomfort.

Dr Zackary Chua

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (Aus)MMed (SG)MRCS (Glasgow)FRCSEd (Orth)

Causes & Risks Symptoms When to see a Doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Prevention FAQ Conclusion

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the inner side of your elbow. These tendons become inflamed or develop small tears due to repetitive stress, causing pain and tenderness at the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inner elbow). Despite its name, this condition affects many people beyond golfers, including tennis players, weightlifters, carpenters, and office workers who type extensively. In Singapore, the condition is increasingly common among professionals who spend long hours at computers and individuals engaged in racquet sports or manual labour.

Causes

The primary cause of golfer’s elbow is repetitive stress on the forearm muscles that control wrist and finger movements. This stress leads to microscopic tears in the tendons where they attach to the medial epicondyle. Everyday activities that cause this condition include:

Repetitive gripping motions during sports or work
Improper technique in golf, tennis, or weightlifting
Prolonged computer use with poor ergonomics
Manual labour involving repetitive wrist flexion
Sudden increase in activity intensity or duration

Risk Factors

Several factors increase your likelihood of developing golfer’s elbow:

Age between 30-50 years
Occupations requiring repetitive arm movements
Poor conditioning or inadequate warm-up before activities
Previous elbow injuries
Smoking (reduces blood flow to tendons)
Diabetes or other conditions affecting circulation
Weak forearm muscles
Improper sports equipment or technique

Signs & Symptoms

Mild Symptoms

Tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
Slight discomfort when gripping objects
Mild stiffness in the elbow joint
Occasional aching after activity
Minor weakness in the affected arm

Moderate Symptoms

Pain radiating from the inner elbow to the forearm
Difficulty with gripping activities
Increased pain with wrist flexion
Noticeable weakness when shaking hands
Pain that disrupts sleep
Stiffness lasting throughout the day

Severe Symptoms

Constant pain even at rest
Severe weakness affecting daily tasks
Numbness or tingling in fingers
Inability to hold objects securely
Sharp, shooting pain with minimal movement
Visible swelling around the inner elbow

Symptoms typically develop gradually over weeks or months. You might notice discomfort only during or after specific activities initially but as time passes, the discomfort may become more noticeable. Still, as the condition progresses, pain may persist throughout the day and interfere with simple tasks like turning doorknobs or holding a coffee cup.

Experiencing these symptoms? Please don’t wait for them to worsen.

Schedule a consultation with our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.

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When to See a Doctor

You should consult an orthopaedic surgeon if you experience persistent elbow pain lasting more than a few days despite rest and home remedies. Immediate medical attention is recommended if you notice severe pain, significant swelling, inability to bend your elbow, or signs of nerve involvement such as numbness or tingling in your fingers.

Early intervention prevents chronic problems. During your consultation, expect a thorough examination of your elbow, assessment of your range of motion, and discussion about your activities and symptoms. Your surgeon may perform specific tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. The earlier you seek treatment, the more conservative options remain available.

Diagnosis & Testing Methods

Diagnosing golfer’s elbow begins with a comprehensive physical examination. Your orthopaedic surgeon will palpate the medial epicondyle area to identify the exact location of tenderness. They will perform specific resistance tests, asking you to flex your wrist against resistance while they stabilise your elbow. The “golfer’s elbow test” involves extending your arm and flexing your wrist while the doctor applies opposing force.

Imaging studies may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. X-rays can reveal bone spurs or arthritis, but won’t show tendon damage directly. Ultrasound imaging provides real-time visualisation of the tendons and can identify tears or inflammation. MRI scans offer detailed views of soft tissues and are typically reserved for cases where the diagnosis is unclear or when planning surgical intervention. These tests are performed on the same day or within a few days, with results available shortly after.

Treatment Options Overview

Conservative Management

The foundation of golfer’s elbow treatment involves rest and activity modification. This means temporarily avoiding or modifying activities that trigger pain while maintaining gentle movement to prevent stiffness. Ice application for 15-20 minutes several times daily helps reduce inflammation and pain. Proper ergonomic adjustments at work and during sports activities reduce further strain on the affected tendons.

Physiotherapy

Structured physiotherapy forms a cornerstone of effective treatment. Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific stretching exercises to improve flexibility in the forearm muscles and tendons. Strengthening exercises begin with isometric contractions and progress to eccentric exercises, which have shown effectiveness for tendon healing. Manual therapy techniques, including soft tissue mobilisation, help break down scar tissue and improve blood flow to the affected area.

Medications

Oral anti-inflammatory medications provide pain relief and reduce inflammation during the acute phase. Your orthopaedic surgeon may prescribe specific NSAIDs based on your medical history and the severity of your symptoms. Topical anti-inflammatory gels offer localised relief without systemic side effects. For some patients, short courses of oral corticosteroids may be considered for severe inflammation.

Injection Therapies

Corticosteroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area, providing rapid pain relief. While effective for short-term symptom management, these injections are typically limited to avoid potential tendon weakening. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections use your body’s own healing factors to promote tendon repair and have shown promising results for chronic cases. The injection process takes about 15 minutes and is performed under ultrasound guidance for accuracy.

Bracing and Support

Counterforce braces or elbow straps help redistribute forces away from the injured tendon during activities. These devices are worn just below the elbow and can reduce pain during daily tasks. Wrist splints may be recommended for nighttime use to maintain a neutral wrist position and prevent stress on the healing tendons. Your orthopaedic surgeon will advise on proper fitting and wearing schedules.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

This non-invasive treatment uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries. The procedure involves applying focused sound waves to the affected area, promoting blood flow and cellular repair. Treatment sessions last about 15-20 minutes and are performed weekly for 3-6 weeks. Many patients experience significant improvement without needing more invasive procedures.

Surgical Intervention

Surgery is considered when conservative treatments fail to provide relief after 6-12 months. The procedure involves removing damaged tendon tissue and reattaching healthy tendon to bone. Modern techniques include minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery, which uses small incisions and a camera for visualisation. Open surgery may be necessary for more extensive damage. Recovery requires 3-6 months before returning to full activities.

Every patient’s condition is unique.

Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will assess your specific situation and recommend the most suitable treatment approach for you

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Complications if Left Untreated

Without proper treatment, golfer’s elbow can progress from an acute injury to a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life. The repeated stress on already damaged tendons leads to progressive degeneration, making the condition increasingly challenging to treat. Chronic pain may develop, persisting even during rest and affecting sleep quality.

Long-term complications include permanent weakness in grip strength and forearm function. The condition can lead to compensatory movement patterns, causing problems in the shoulder, neck, or opposite arm. Some patients develop chronic tendinosis, where the tendon structure permanently changes, becoming thickened and less flexible. Nerve irritation may occur as inflammation affects the nearby ulnar nerve, causing numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.

Prevention

Preventing golfer’s elbow involves addressing the root causes of tendon overload. Proper technique in sports and work activities is essential. Golfers should ensure correct grip size and swing mechanics, while tennis players need appropriate racquet specifications and stroke technique. Office workers benefit from ergonomic keyboard and mouse positioning to maintain neutral wrist positions.

Regular strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles create better support for the elbow joint. A proper warm-up routine before activities prepares the tendons for stress. Gradual progression in activity intensity allows tissues to adapt without injury. Taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks gives tendons time to recover. Using proper equipment, whether sports gear or work tools, reduces unnecessary strain on the elbow structures.

Golfer’s Elbow

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does golfer’s elbow typically take to heal?

Recovery time varies depending on severity and treatment approach. With proper conservative treatment, mild cases often improve within 6-8 weeks. Moderate cases may require 3-6 months of dedicated therapy. Severe or chronic cases might need 6-12 months, especially if surgery is required. Consistency with treatment and avoiding aggravating activities impacts healing time. Your orthopaedic surgeon will provide a personalised timeline based on your specific condition.

Can I continue playing sports with golfer’s elbow?

Activity modification rather than complete cessation is often recommended. During the acute phase, avoiding painful activities allows initial healing. As symptoms improve, you can gradually return to sports with proper technique modifications and protective equipment. Your orthopaedic surgeon and physiotherapist will guide your return-to-sport progression. Many athletes successfully manage the condition while maintaining their activity level through appropriate treatment and technique adjustments.

What’s the difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow?

While both are overuse injuries of the elbow, they affect different areas. Golfer’s elbow involves the inner (medial) side of the elbow where wrist flexor muscles attach. Tennis elbow affects the outer (lateral) side, where wrist extensor muscles attach. The conditions require different treatment approaches due to the distinct muscle groups involved. Some patients may develop both conditions, requiring comprehensive management strategies.

Are cortisone injections safe for golfer’s elbow?

Corticosteroid injections can provide effective short-term relief when used appropriately. They’re safe when administered by experienced practitioners using proper technique. Repeated injections may weaken tendons, so they’re typically limited to 2-3 per year. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks based on your specific situation. Alternative injection therapies like PRP may be recommended for certain cases.

When is surgery necessary for golfer’s elbow?

Surgery is considered after 6-12 months of failed conservative treatment. Indications include persistent pain affecting daily activities, failure to respond to physical therapy and injections, and structural tendon damage visible on imaging. The decision involves careful evaluation of your symptoms, functional limitations, and personal goals. Modern surgical techniques are performed in accordance with international standards, allowing many patients to return to their usual activities.

Can golfer’s elbow come back after treatment?

Recurrence is possible if underlying causes aren’t addressed. Factors like returning to activities too quickly, poor technique, or inadequate rehabilitation increase recurrence risk. Maintaining strength and flexibility through ongoing exercises helps prevent re-injury. Proper ergonomics and technique modifications provide long-term protection. Your orthopaedic surgeon will develop a prevention strategy tailored to your activities and risk factors.

Conclusion

Golfer’s elbow is a treatable condition that responds well to appropriate intervention. Understanding the causes, recognising symptoms early, and seeking timely treatment from an orthopaedic surgeon can prevent progression to chronic problems. With various treatment options available, from conservative management to modern therapies, most patients achieve improvement and return to their desired activities. Success lies in proper diagnosis, personalised treatment planning, and commitment to the rehabilitation process.

Take the First Step Towards Better Health

Living with golfer’s elbow can be challenging, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon has experience diagnosing and treating golfer’s elbow using evidence-based approaches.

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Dr Zackary Chua (蔡克祥医生)

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon (Adult & Paeds)

MBBS (AUS)|MMed (Singapore)|MRCS (Glasgow)|FRCSEd (Orth)

A senior consultant orthopaedic surgeon with dual specialisations in Foot & Ankle Surgery and Paediatric Orthopaedics. Backed by his extensive years of training and experience, Dr Chua brings the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure a smooth recovery journey.

Rooted firmly by two fundamental philosophies: “When one’s feet hurt, one hurts all over” and “Children are not little adults”, Dr Chua’s approach to patient care reflects his compassionate care for adults and children.

Singhealth Quality Excellence Award – Silver (2011)
Service From the Heart Award (2021)
Singapore Health Quality Service Award – Gold (2023)
NUS Medicine Dean’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2023)

His active participation in the medical community extends to mentoring, research supervision, and contributions to key professional forums and symposiums, both locally and internationally.