Golfers elbow (also known as medial epicondylitis or medial epicondylalgia) is a common condition where pain is felt on the inner side of the elbow. It usually occurs as a result of overload of the tendon causing pain, swelling and tenderness around the inner elbow and forearm.

Although this condition can take months to improve, it usually gets better by taking steps to modify your activities initially and then build back up strength of the inner forearm muscles. Steroid injections or surgery are very rarely needed for treating golfers elbow.

Watch this video which demonstrates exercises to help tennis and golfer’s elbow and reduce the chances of the pain returning in the future.

Click Here for early stage exercises that our physiotherapists recommend for treating Golfers Elbow.

Olecranon bursitis is a condition that causes swelling around the back of the elbow joint and pain when leaning on the elbow.

It can be caused by repetitive compression such as leaning on your elbow, or a one-off injury such as a blow to the back of the elbow – both of which can set off inflammation. It can also be caused by arthritis in the elbow joint or infection if the skin over the bursa has become cut.

Firstly try to stop doing the thing(s) that are likely aggravating it and most of the time the pain and swelling should then settle down. However, if your elbow remains swollen for a few weeks then you should speak to your GP as you may need some anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the pain or swelling. Antibiotics are needed if the cause of the bursitis is an infection.

A steroid injection or aspiration (draining) of the fluid may also help to reduce the swelling. Surgery to remove the bursa is an option if all other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Osteoarthritis of the elbow occurs when the cartilage surface of the elbow joint is worn or roughened which causes pain and stiffness of the elbow joint.

This can happen because of a previous injury such as elbow dislocation or fracture however, most commonly, it is the result of a normal wearing of the joint cartilage from age and activity. This condition is quite rare as osteoarthritis usually affects the weight bearing joints of the body.

Pain killers can be used to reduce the pain and regular elbow exercises can help to reduce stiffness. Steroid injections can also be used to help reduce pain and inflammation. In very severe cases, an elbow replacement is possible but this is not a procedure that is done frequently like hip and knee replacements.

Click Here for further information on Osteoarthritis and ways to manage it effectively.

You can also Click Here for some simple exercises that our physiotherapists would recommend to aid with the management of elbow osteoarthritis.

Distal biceps tendinopathy is a rare condition that causes pain around the front of the elbow associated with bending the arm due to irritation of the biceps tendon muscle as it inserts into the elbow region.

Acute biceps tendinopathy may occur because of sudden overuse, especially among people participating in lifting and throwing sports, although it can also start gradually in the older population.

If pain persists despite modifying activities and slowly returning to normal activities, you may need to see a physiotherapist who can show you more specific exercises to help strengthen the muscle and reduce the pain.

Distal triceps tendinopathy is a rare condition that causes pain around the back of the elbow associated with straightening the arm due to irritation of the triceps tendon muscle as it inserts into the elbow region.

Acute triceps tendinopathy may occur because of sudden overuse, especially among people participating in lifting and throwing sports, although it can also start gradually in the older population.

If pain persists despite modifying activities and slowly returning to normal activities, you may need to see a physiotherapist who can show you more specific exercises to help strengthen the muscle and reduce the pain.