Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
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If the inside of your elbow hurts — medial epicondylitis
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain at the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. Degenerative changes occur at the point where the pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis tendons attach to the medial epicondyle, producing pain. It develops not only from a golf swing but from any repetitive motion that bends the wrist or rotates the forearm inward.
How it differs from tennis elbow
While lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is a problem at the wrist extensor attachment, medial epicondylitis is a problem at the wrist flexor attachment. The two conditions have pain in opposite locations and are aggravated by different motions.
- Lateral (tennis elbow): Pain on the outer elbow when extending the wrist or twisting an object
- Medial (golfer's elbow): Pain on the inner elbow when flexing the wrist or gripping firmly
- Frequency: Lateral epicondylitis is 5–10 times more common; medial accounts for about 10–20% of cases.
- Associated symptoms: Medial epicondylitis can cause numbness in the ring and little fingers due to ulnar nerve irritation.
Korean medicine treatment approach
In Korean medicine, medial epicondylitis is viewed as pain caused by impaired qi-and-blood circulation in the muscles and tendons. Acupuncture stimulates points such as Shaohai (HT3) and Ququan (LR8) to improve circulation in the medial structures, and pharmacopuncture is injected directly into the tendon attachment to promote anti-inflammatory effects and tissue regeneration.
- Acupuncture: Stimulates points around the medial epicondyle to relieve pain and improve blood flow
- Pharmacopuncture: Anti-inflammatory herbal extracts injected directly into the tendon lesion
- Needle-knife therapy: Releases chronic adhesions to restore tendon mobility
Lifestyle correction and recurrence prevention
Because golfer's elbow has a high recurrence rate, forearm strengthening and stretching must be continued even after treatment. Use both hands when lifting heavy objects and keep the wrist in a neutral position. If repetitive motions are unavoidable at work, take a brief stretching break every 10 minutes.