If elbow pain has started to interfere with your golf swing, daily tasks, or work routine, you may be experiencing symptoms of golfer’s elbow. Also known as medial epicondylitis, this overuse injury affects the tendons attached to the inner side of your elbow. Without timely treatment, golfer’s elbow can result in persistent elbow pain and reduced arm function.
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice in New Castle, we specialize in treating elbow conditions using advanced, minimally invasive methods. Whether you're an athlete, a tradesperson, or simply someone dealing with repetitive stress on the arm, our team offers tailored therapies to relieve pain and restore motion. Call (724) 656-0086 or request your appointment online today.
Let’s explore five of the most effective golfer’s elbow treatment options to help you get back to what you love, without the pain.
How to Know If You Have Golfer’s Elbow
Recognizing golfer’s elbow early can prevent long-term damage and reduce the need for invasive treatment. Also known as medial epicondylitis, this condition causes discomfort where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the inner side of your elbow.
You may have golfer’s elbow if you notice:
- Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or twisting your wrist
- Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after rest
- Weakness in grip strength, making it difficult to hold a golf club, tools, or even household items
- Pain radiating from the elbow into the forearm or wrist
- Tingling or numbness in one or more fingers, especially the ring and little fingers
These symptoms often worsen with activity and may improve with rest. However, if your pain lingers beyond a week or interferes with daily tasks, it’s time to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis allows for less invasive treatment, such as physical therapy or regenerative options like PRP, before tendon damage becomes more advanced.
Treatment Options To Consider
The right golfer’s elbow treatment depends on your symptoms, lifestyle, and how long the condition has persisted. Below are five proven approaches that may help relieve pain, restore function, and prevent long-term complications.
1. Conservative At-Home Treatments
For many, treating golfer’s elbow begins with rest and activity modification. Since medial epicondylitis is caused by repetitive strain on the forearm muscles, taking a break from aggravating activities like swinging a golf club, lifting weights, or typing can help reduce inflammation.
Common early interventions include:
- Rest to allow small tendon tears to heal
- Ice packs to reduce inflammation and elbow stiffness
- Over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Bracing, such as a counterforce brace, to reduce tension on the affected area
These non-surgical methods can offer immediate relief and prevent further tendon damage when used early.
2. Physical Therapy and Strengthening Exercises
If your symptoms of golfer’s elbow persist beyond initial rest and self-care, physical therapy may be the next step. Golfer’s elbow physical therapy focuses on improving strength and flexibility in the forearm, wrist, and elbow joint.
Your therapy may include:
- Gentle stretches to improve range of motion
- Strengthening exercises that reduce stress on the medial epicondyle
- Manual therapy to increase blood flow and promote healing
- Activity modification education to prevent recurrence
Dr. Singh’s clinic offers on-site hand therapy services to ensure personalized and consistent care, guided by specialists familiar with upper extremity injuries.
3. Injection-Based Treatments for Pain Relief
For patients with more advanced or persistent golfer’s elbow pain, injection therapies may be recommended. These can provide targeted relief and help jumpstart the healing process.
Options include:
- Corticosteroid injections: Reduce pain and inflammation quickly, though best used selectively due to possible tendon weakening
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: Uses your body’s own healing factors to stimulate tendon repair. While PRP injection recovery time for the elbow varies, many patients begin noticing results within a few weeks.
Dr. Singh can help determine whether injection therapy is appropriate based on your medical history, severity of symptoms, and goals for recovery.
4. Minimally Invasive Tenex Procedure
For patients whose symptoms persist despite conservative care, Dr. Singh specializes in a minimally invasive procedure known as Tenex. Using ultrasonic energy guided by ultrasound imaging, Tenex safely removes damaged tendon tissue while preserving healthy tissue.
Benefits of Tenex include:
- Performed under local anesthesia only (no general anesthesia required)
- Minimal discomfort and downtime
- Quick procedure, typically completed in-office
- Rapid recovery allowing return to normal activities faster
Dr. Singh uses the latest technology and minimally invasive approaches to shorten recovery time and reduce post-surgical discomfort. Surgical intervention is typically a last resort, but when needed, it can offer lasting pain relief and restored function.
5. Expert Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow Near Pittsburgh
If you’re searching for golfer’s elbow treatment in Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania, Dr. Singh offers expert care right in New Castle, PA. As a fellowship-trained upper extremity specialist, Dr. Singh has helped countless patients recover from medial epicondylitis and other elbow conditions using both conservative therapies and advanced surgical techniques.
Our practice offers a seamless experience from diagnosis to recovery, with:
- Onsite hand therapy and rehabilitation
- Individualized treatment plans
- Minimally invasive options for faster recovery
- A dedicated care team focused on your long-term well-being
Let Dr. Singh Help You Find Lasting Elbow Relief
Whether you’re struggling with golfer’s elbow from repetitive motion or recovering from a sports-related injury, relief is within reach. With specialized treatment and the right approach, you can reduce pain, improve mobility, and get back to your usual activities, pain-free.
Dr. Singh, one of Pittsburgh’s leading orthopedic elbow specialists, is ready to help. Request your appointment online or call us at (724) 656-0086 to explore the best treatment options for golfer’s elbow.
