Medial elbow pain is the pain that is felt on the inner side of the elbow. This type of pain can occur as a result of an acute injury or it can develop gradually from overuse of the elbow joint. Thrower’s elbow or Golfer’s elbow is the commonest term used in reference to pain felt on inner side of the elbow. There is degeneration or inflammation of the flexor tendon in Golfer’s elbow.
What Does Pain on Inner Side of Elbow Indicate?
Pain on inner side of the elbow can indicate the following conditions:
Golfer’s Elbow
Also known as medial epicondylitis, Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury, which is similar to tennis elbow, but it causes pain on the inner side of the elbow; whereas, tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow. In Golfer’s elbow, the pain can also spread to the wrist and forearm. Causes include sports activities, such as playing golf (obviously!), throwing sports, racket sports and weight training. Other than pain on inner side of the elbow, symptoms also consist of tenderness, stiffness, numbness/tingling and weakness in the elbow joint. Treatment consists of rest, icing the elbow, pain medications, elbow brace and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Biceps Tendinitis
In this condition, there is inflammation/irritation of the biceps tendon when it is inserting into the medial side of the elbow causing pain on the inner side of elbow. Causes for biceps tendinitis include injury, wear and tear, sports with repetitive head motion, such as baseball or swimming. Along with pain on the inner side of elbow, patient also sometimes feels a snapping sensation/sound in the shoulder. Treatment consists of rest, ice therapy, NSAIDs for pain and inflammation relief, steroid injection and physical therapy. Surgery may be needed in severe cases.
Elbow Apophysitis
This is a condition where there is crumbling of the bone at the site of the tendon attachment. This condition commonly affects adolescents and children in developmental ages. Other than pain in the inner side of the elbow, patient also feels worsening of pain with throwing activities, tenderness, swelling, decreased grip strength, decreased range of elbow motion and cramping of the muscles. Treatment consists of plenty of rest, ice therapy and pain relievers.
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