Golfer’s Elbow Pain on the Inside of Your Arm
The ache on the inner side of your elbow when you grip, lift, or flex your wrist — sometimes with tingling down into the hand. Golfer’s elbow isn’t just for golfers, and it can linger for months when it’s treated as simple inflammation. At West Hills Chiropractic Pain Center, we treat the degenerated tendon at the source with conservative, evidence-based care, including shockwave therapy for cases that haven’t responded to rest or bracing. No cortisone cycle that fades in weeks. No surgery as the first answer.
Same day appointments may be available.
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow — medial epicondylitis — is irritation and breakdown of the tendons that attach your forearm flexor muscles to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. These tendons work whenever you grip or flex your wrist, so the condition is easy to aggravate with everyday tasks.
The typical pattern is pain on the inner elbow that worsens with gripping or wrist flexion, sometimes with a weakened grip and aching that travels down the inner forearm. Because the ulnar nerve runs nearby, some people also notice tingling toward the ring and little fingers.
When it persists, the tissue is usually degenerating rather than simply inflamed — which is why rest and anti-inflammatories alone often stop short of a real fix.
Symptoms That Need Professional Attention
Inner-elbow pain that lingers or keeps returning is worth evaluating. Watch for:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow that may radiate down the inner forearm.
- Pain when gripping or flexing the wrist such as lifting, shaking hands, or swinging.
- A weak or unreliable grip with aching after use.
- Tenderness over the inner bony bump of the elbow.
- Tingling toward the ring and little fingers if the nearby ulnar nerve is involved.
- Stiffness after activity rather than sharp pain during it.
If inner-elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is weakening your grip, or comes with numbness or tingling in the hand, have it evaluated.
What Actually Causes Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is an overuse condition. It develops when repetitive gripping and wrist flexion load the flexor tendons faster than they recover. Common sources include manual trades, repetitive lifting, throwing and racquet or club sports, and any task that pairs a firm grip with wrist motion.
Because the cause is mechanical and repetitive, treatment that only calms the pain tends to give short-lived results. Restoring the tendon’s capacity and adjusting the loads that overworked it is what makes relief last.
Inner-Elbow Pain That Keeps Coming Back Has a Source Worth Finding
Your flexor tendons work every time you grip, so a golfer’s elbow that is only quieted flares again as soon as you return to normal activity.
Lasting relief comes from restarting healing in the degenerated tendon and rebuilding its load tolerance, while adjusting the gripping and wrist demands that overloaded it. That combination is the approach we take.
How We Treat Golfer’s Elbow at West Hills
Accurate diagnosis first. Inner-elbow pain can involve the flexor tendons, the ulnar nerve, the joint, or the neck. We examine the elbow, wrist, and the structures above before building a plan — including checking for nerve involvement.
Shockwave therapy for stubborn cases. When golfer’s elbow hasn’t responded to rest, bracing, or activity changes, focused shockwave therapy stimulates a healing response in the degenerated tendon. We offer it on-site as part of a broader plan.
Manual therapy and adjustment. Hands-on treatment of the elbow, wrist, and forearm — and alignment of the shoulder and neck — reduces strain on the tendon and restores normal movement.
Targeted rehabilitation. Progressive, loading-based exercise rebuilds the tendon’s tolerance so your grip handles daily demands without flaring.
Ergonomic and load guidance. Practical changes to how you grip, lift, and work protect your progress and reduce recurrence.
Explore the treatments we use: shockwave therapy, physical rehabilitation, and chiropractic care.
Why Patients Choose West Hills for Golfer’s Elbow
Conservative care first. We exhaust evidence-based, non-invasive options before anyone discusses injections or surgery.
Shockwave therapy on-site. For chronic golfer’s elbow you don’t need a separate referral — we offer focused shockwave therapy in the same Huntington clinic, coordinated with your rehab.
Attention to nerve involvement. Because the ulnar nerve sits close to the inner elbow, we check for and address tingling or numbness, not just the tendon pain.
Convenient Huntington location. We treat patients from Huntington, Huntington Station, Dix Hills, Melville, Commack, Northport, Cold Spring Harbor, and Greenlawn.
Golfer’s Elbow FAQs
How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?
Mild, recent cases often improve within a few weeks of consistent care. Chronic golfer’s elbow that has lasted months involves tendon degeneration and takes longer — typically several weeks to a few months, particularly when shockwave therapy and loading-based rehabilitation are combined. The timeline depends on how long you’ve had it and your daily grip demands.
Does shockwave therapy work for golfer’s elbow?
Shockwave therapy is used for chronic medial epicondylitis to stimulate healing in tendon tissue that has degenerated and stopped repairing on its own. It is generally reserved for cases that haven’t responded to rest, bracing, and activity changes, and we offer it on-site as part of a broader treatment plan.
Why is there tingling in my hand with golfer’s elbow?
The ulnar nerve passes just behind the inner elbow, close to the affected tendons. When the area is irritated or swollen, the nerve can be affected too, producing tingling toward the ring and little fingers. We check for nerve involvement during your evaluation and address it as part of your plan.
Is golfer’s elbow treatment covered by insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans, and evaluation and many conservative treatments are commonly covered. Coverage for specific therapies such as shockwave can vary by plan, so our team verifies your benefits and explains any out-of-pocket costs before you begin.
When should I see a doctor for inner-elbow pain?
See a provider if inner-elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is weakening your grip, comes with numbness or tingling in the hand, or keeps returning. Early evaluation helps keep a manageable problem from becoming chronic.
Take the First Step Toward Golfer’s Elbow Relief
Schedule your evaluation today. We accept most major insurance plans and can often see you the same day.