Medial Epicondylalgia (Golfer's Elbow)
Medial epicondylalgia (golfer's elbow), also called epitrocleitis, is an overuse tendinopathy of the common wrist flexor origin at the medial epicondyle, often aggravated by gripping and wrist flexion or pronation.
Elbow - PathologyBiomechanical Mechanism
Repeated loading of wrist flexors and pronators leads to tendon degeneration and pain with resisted flexion or forearm pronation.
Clinical Rationale
Progressive loading supports tendon remodeling and functional recovery when symptoms are monitored.
Practical Solution
Start with pain-modulated isometrics and progress to eccentric/concentric loading with gradual return to gripping tasks.
Common Compensations
- Pain with gripping or wrist flexion
- Reduced forearm pronation strength
- Avoidance of loaded carries
Correctives
- Load management and graded exposure
- Eccentric and isometric wrist flexor loading
- Forearm mobility and soft tissue work
Progression
- 1Level 1: Isometrics and pain-free mobility
- 2Level 2: Eccentric loading
- 3Level 3: Concentric strength
- 4Level 4: Task-specific grip and sport work
Regression
- Reduce gripping volume
- Lower resistance
- Shorter lever positions
Red Flags
- Night pain not improving
- Neurological symptoms
- Severe swelling or trauma
Differential Diagnosis
Ulnar neuropathy (cubital tunnel)Medial collateral ligament sprainFlexor-pronator strain
Related Assessments
resisted wrist flexion pronation assessmentmedial epicondyle tenderness assessmentpain free grip test assessment
Related Exercises
wrist flexor isometricwrist flexor eccentricforearm flexor stretchforearm flexor smr
