Golfers elbow or ‘medial epicondylitis' is one cause of pain on the inside of the elbow. It arises from damage and irritation of tendons that bend the wrist (flexion). The condition gets its name from the fact that it is commonly seen in golfers’ swing arm. It is also observed in racket sports if the athlete has a suboptimal technique or in weightlifters who have to grip firmly.

Around the inside of the elbow there is an important nerve called the ulnar nerve which may also be irritated causing tingling in the fingers. The management of Golfers elbow requires a 2-4 months period of rest initially. Physiotherapy is then commenced with exercises that extend the wrist without any resistance. Supervised taping and bracing has been found to be helpful.

The symptoms settle down with time in most people. When there is tingling in the fingers or extreme weakness of grip, nerve tests may be required to assess the health of the ulnar nerve. Surgery in the treatment of golfers elbow is considered as a last resort.