Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer's elbow affects the common flexor tendon at its attachment to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. The wrist flexors, particularly the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres, generate the degenerative loading that leads to this condition. Despite the name, most presentations come from manual laborers, overhead athletes, and anyone who performs sustained gripping or wrist flexion repetitively rather than from golfers specifically. That said, Palm Beach County's density of golfers, particularly in the communities around PGA National and Palm Beach Polo Golf Club, means this is a condition Cobblestone sees regularly in the local patient population.

The medial elbow also contains the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel. Medial epicondylitis and cubital tunnel syndrome can coexist, and they can mimic each other. The ulnar nerve irritation produces tingling and numbness in the ring and small fingers that medial epicondylitis alone does not. Dr. Dean Mammales, DC evaluates both the medial tendon and the ulnar nerve pathway at the initial visit, including provocative tests for cubital tunnel syndrome, to ensure the right structure is being treated.

Why It Stays Chronic

Medial epicondylitis becomes chronic through the same mechanism as lateral epicondylitis. The degenerative tendinosis at the insertion has poor blood supply, and continued repetitive loading prevents the repair process from completing. A golfer who plays three times a week cannot create the conditions for spontaneous recovery. The tissue degrades faster than it can repair. Standard treatment with rest and NSAIDs can reduce symptoms temporarily but does not address the structural problem.

Treatment Approach

MLS laser therapy reaches the medial epicondyle tissue with the same dual-wavelength protocol used for lateral epicondylitis, reducing inflammation and driving cellular repair activity in the flexor tendon. For golfers and manual workers who cannot take six weeks away from their activity, the ability to continue modified play or work during laser treatment matters.

For cases that have not responded to laser therapy and conservative care, PRP injection administered by Yuleisy Coto, MSN, APRN, FNP-C provides the biological repair signal the tendon is not producing on its own. PRP concentrates your own platelet-derived growth factors and delivers them directly into the degenerative tissue. Results take four to eight weeks. Golfers who have been managing medial elbow pain through cortisone injections with diminishing returns should evaluate PRP as the next clinical step. Call (561) 753-2225 or request an appointment here.