Golfer's Elbow and Wrist Pain
Also known as: golfer's elbow, golfers elbow, inner elbow pain from golf, medial epicondylitis, wrist pain from golf, lead wrist pain in golf, elbow pain from golf
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an overuse problem felt on the inner side of the elbow, where forearm tendons that grip and bend the wrist attach. Golf-related wrist pain often shows up in the lead wrist. Common contributing factors include a tight grip, heavy contact with the ground and sudden jumps in practice. Stop if it hurts and see a qualified medical professional for pain that persists.
Despite the name, golfer's elbow affects many people who never play golf. Pitchers, painters, plumbers and carpenters all repeat forceful forearm motions. Pain on the outer side of the elbow is a different overuse problem, often called tennis elbow, and golfers can get that too. Symptoms of golfer's elbow usually build slowly and can include stiffness, weak grip and tingling toward the ring and little fingers.
Golfers often notice wrist pain in the lead wrist, on the little-finger side or near the thumb. Hitting the ground hard, catching a root or hitting off thin mats over a hard base can jar the wrist. A very tight or awkward grip may add load. So can a big jump in range sessions before a trip or event.
General habits that may help include lighter grip pressure, grips of the right size and clubs fitted to your swing. Build practice volume slowly and hit off good grass when you can. Forearm strengthening and wrist stretches can help once you are pain-free. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Stop if it hurts, and see a qualified medical professional for pain that persists, swelling, numbness or weakness.
Tips by skill level
Hold the club firmly enough to control it but no tighter. Build your practice time up slowly.
If you often hit behind the ball, work on your low point. Repeated heavy contact jars the wrists and forearms more than a clean strike.
Example
A golfer adds a daily range session before a golf trip and develops an ache on the inside of her elbow. She stops hitting balls, sees a physical therapist and builds back gradually with lighter grip pressure.
Why it matters
Elbow and wrist pain can keep you off the course for weeks. Knowing the common contributing factors helps you adjust early and get the right help.
Common mistakes
- Playing through sharp pain to finish a round
- Squeezing the grip with white knuckles
- Jumping from no practice to daily range sessions
- Hitting lots of balls off worn mats over hard ground
Frequently asked questions
What is golfer's elbow?
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, where forearm tendons that grip and bend the wrist attach. It is an overuse problem that also affects non-golfers. See a qualified medical professional if it persists.
Why does my wrist hurt after golf?
Common contributing factors include hitting fat shots, roots or hard mats, a very tight or awkward grip and a sudden jump in practice. Rest it, and have pain that persists checked by a qualified medical professional.
Can I keep playing golf with golfer's elbow?
Stop if it hurts. Pain is a signal to rest and get advice. A qualified medical professional can tell you when and how to return.
Sources
Related terms
- Grip PressureGrip pressure is how tightly the hands hold the club. Most instructors recommend a light-to-moderate pressure — enough to hold the club securely, loose enough to allow wrist hinge and a free release.
- Grip SizeGrip size is fit to hand size, from undersize to oversize. A slightly larger grip can also quiet an overactive release by reducing hand action through impact.
- Graphite vs Steel ShaftsGraphite shafts are lighter and soak up more vibration. They often suit slower swingers and golfers with sore hands or joints. Steel shafts are heavier, usually cost less and give a firmer feel that many faster swingers prefer in their irons.
- Golf Fitness ExercisesA simple golf fitness plan covers four things: mobility, stability, strength and rotational power. Mobility comes mostly from the hips and upper back, and stability from the core and glutes. Two or three short sessions a week can make the swing easier on your body. Start light, build gradually and stop if anything hurts.
- ChunkA chunk (fat shot) is when the swing bottoms out too early and the club hits the ground before the ball. The short, low shot often loses most of its distance.
- Club FittingClub fitting uses a launch monitor to match shaft, length, lie angle, loft, and head design to a golfer's swing. Stock clubs are built for an average golfer.
Related guides & benchmarks
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