Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Los Gatos

Everyday tasks like lifting, typing, or holding a golf club can cause inner elbow pain. This pain is usually caused by golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, which develops due to repeated stress on the forearm tendons.

At Resilience Orthopedics, Dr. Pamela Mehta helps patients in Los Gatos, San Jose, and nearby communities recover safely with personalized treatment plans.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow become irritated or damaged from overuse. 

Over time, this can cause pain, weakness, and stiffness in the elbow and forearm. You may be at higher risk if you:

• Do repetitive gripping or lifting
• Play racquet or throwing sports
• Recently increased the intensity of your workouts
• Work in a manual job or spend long hours at a desk
• Have muscle imbalances in your arm or shoulder

Golfer’s Elbow vs Tennis Elbow

Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are often confused. Understanding the differences can help you get the right treatment quickly.

Feature	Golfer’s Elbow	Tennis Elbow
Pain location	Inner part of the elbow, where the arm bends toward the body	Outer part of the elbow, where the arm bends away from the body
Cause	Overuse of the muscles that bend the wrist	Overuse of the muscles that straighten the wrist
Common Activities	Golf swings, throwing, lifting objects	Tennis, racquet sports, typing, lifting objects
Symptoms	Pain, tenderness, stiffness on inner elbow	Pain, tenderness, stiffness on outer elbow
Treatment	Rest, gentle stretching, physical therapy, bracing	Rest, gentle stretching, physical therapy, bracing
Recovery Time	6 to 12 months	6 to 12 months
Surgery	Rare, only for severe cases	Rare, required for long-lasting cases

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

Some of the common causes of golfer’s elbow include:

• Golf swings or racket sports
• Weight training with poor form
• Manual labor such as carpentry, plumbing, or construction
• Repetitive computer or tool use
• Throwing sports such as baseball

What are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?

Symptoms often start gradually and worsen with continued use. Some of the signs include:

• Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
• Elbow stiffness
• Weak grip strength
• Pain when bending the wrist or fingers
• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little finger

Early treatment can protect your tendons from long-term damage.

How Can I Prevent a Golfer’s Elbow?

You can lower your risk of golfer’s elbow by reducing strain on the tendon and building strength and flexibility in your arm.

Here’s what helps:

• Increase activity gradually. Avoid sudden jumps in intensity or duration.
• Use proper form in sports and at work. Small adjustments can take pressure off your elbow.
• Stretch your forearm muscles regularly.
• Strengthen your wrist and shoulder muscles.
• Give your body enough rest between activities

Exercises to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow

These simple at-home exercises can help keep your elbow strong and lower the chance of pain returning:

• Wrist Flexion and Extension: Gently bend your wrist up and down, with or without a light weight. Start with 10 slow repetitions and complete 2 to 3 sets.
• Forearm Twists: Use a resistance band or light bar. Twist your forearm in a slow, controlled motion. Aim for 10 to 12 repetitions per set.
• Pronation and Supination: Hold a light object and rotate your palm up and down. Keep the movement steady and smooth.
• Controlled Swings: Hold a light club or weight and practice slow swings. Focus on control rather than speed.

Do not push through sharp pain. Mild fatigue is normal, but if discomfort worsens you can stop. Work both arms for balance and continue exercises even after pain improves.

When Should I See a Specialist?

Visit a specialist if your elbow pain does not improve with rest, limits your daily activities, or gets worse over time. 

With early treatment you can prevent long-term damage to your tendons and return to your daily activities. Get medical care right away if:

• The elbow looks deformed
• You suspect a broken bone
• You have a fever and your elbow is swollen

How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

Dr. Mehta starts with a conversation about your symptoms and daily activities. Then she performs a detailed exam, which may include:

• A thorough physical exam
• Grip and strength testing
• Movement and flexibility assessment
• Ultrasound imaging to assess tendon health
• MRI or CT scan if symptoms are severe or persistent

Dr. Mehta uses your diagnosis to create a treatment plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

How Do We Treat Golfer’s Elbow?

Treatment focuses on easing pain and helping the tendon heal properly. Most people improve with non-surgical care. Dr. Mehta’s goal is to help you return to daily activities and sports safely.

Non-surgical Treatments:

• Activity changes and guided rest
• Physical therapy with specific golfer’s elbow exercises
• Anti-inflammatory medication 
• Bracing, forearm support straps, or kinesiology taping
• Ergonomic and technique adjustments
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to support tendon healing
• Cortisone shots to reduce pain and inflammation

Surgical Options:

Surgery is rarely needed. It may be considered if pain continues after six to twelve months of consistent treatment.

Surgical options may include:

• Open surgery through a small incision on the inner elbow to remove damaged tendon tissue and reattach healthy tendon
• Minimally invasive or arthroscopic repair to reduce tissue trauma and support recovery
• Tendon debridement to remove damaged tissue and encourage healing

At Resilience Orthopedics, your treatment plan is built around you. Dr. Mehta will explain each option clearly and guide you through every step of recovery. You won’t have to go through it alone.

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