Expert Orthopaedic Guide by Dr. Vishal Sahni, London Orthopedic Clinic Nagpur

Golfer’s elbow is a very common condition today, especially among people who use their hands and arms repeatedly in daily life. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a golfer to suffer from it. Many working professionals, homemakers, gym-goers, tennis players, and even students can experience this painful elbow problem.

In most cases, mild discomfort improves with rest. But sometimes, golfer’s elbow becomes persistent and starts affecting routine activities like lifting, writing, gripping, or even shaking hands.

So the big question is:

When should you see a doctor for golfer’s elbow?

This detailed guide will help you understand the warning signs, causes, treatment options, and when expert orthopaedic care is necessary.

At London Orthopedic Clinic Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni (MBBS, MS ORTHO, FRCS ORTHO London, MCH ORTHO Liverpool) offers advanced diagnosis and specialised treatment for elbow pain, sports injuries, and tendon disorders.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, medically called medial epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons on the inner side of your elbow become irritated or inflamed.

These tendons connect the forearm muscles to the elbow joint and help with:

gripping
twisting movements
lifting objects
wrist flexion

When these tendons are overused, tiny tears develop, leading to pain and weakness.

Where Do You Feel Pain in Golfer’s Elbow?

The most common symptom is:

Pain on the inner side of the elbow

The pain may also spread to:

forearm
wrist
fingers (in some cases)

Many patients describe it as:

burning pain
dull ache
sharp discomfort while lifting

Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is mainly caused by repetitive strain. Some common triggers include:

1. Sports Activities

Even non-golf sports can cause it, such as:

cricket
badminton
tennis
weight training
throwing sports

2. Gym and Weightlifting Injuries

Improper technique during:

bicep curls
pull-ups
deadlifts
can overload the elbow tendons.

3. Occupational Overuse

People at risk include:

plumbers
carpenters
electricians
computer users
factory workers

4. Household Work

Repeated activities like:

chopping vegetables
washing clothes
lifting buckets
can contribute to tendon strain.

Early Symptoms You Should Not Ignore

Golfer’s elbow often starts slowly. Many patients ignore early discomfort until it becomes severe.

Early signs include:

mild pain while gripping
soreness after activity
stiffness in the morning
discomfort during wrist movement

If treated early, recovery is faster.

When Should You See a Doctor for Golfer’s Elbow?

Now let’s come to the most important part.

You should consult an orthopaedic elbow specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni if you experience any of the following warning signs:

1. Pain Lasting More Than 7–10 Days

If elbow pain does not improve even after:

rest
basic home care
avoiding heavy work

then it may not be a simple strain.

Persistent pain indicates tendon injury that needs professional evaluation.

2. Difficulty in Daily Activities

If you struggle with normal tasks like:

holding a cup
turning a doorknob
writing
lifting grocery bags
using a mobile phone

it is time to see a doctor.

Golfer’s elbow can seriously affect quality of life.

3. Weak Grip Strength

A major sign of worsening tendon damage is:

Weakness in hand grip

You may notice:

dropping objects
inability to hold weights
pain while shaking hands

An orthopaedic specialist can assess tendon strength properly.

4. Pain That Keeps Returning

Some patients feel temporary relief but pain returns again and again, especially after activity.

Recurring golfer’s elbow suggests:

incomplete healing
ongoing tendon overload
underlying biomechanical issues

Proper treatment prevents chronic elbow problems.

5. Severe Inner Elbow Tenderness

If even light touch causes pain over the inner elbow bone, it may indicate significant tendon inflammation.

A specialist can confirm the diagnosis and rule out other elbow conditions.

6. Pain Radiating to Forearm or Wrist

Golfer’s elbow pain often spreads downward.

If pain travels to:

forearm muscles
wrist joint
fingers

then medical evaluation becomes important to exclude nerve involvement.

7. Elbow Stiffness and Reduced Motion

If you are unable to fully:

bend your elbow
straighten your arm
rotate your wrist comfortably

it could indicate tendon degeneration or joint-related issues.

Early intervention helps restore full movement.

8. Swelling or Warmth Around the Elbow

Although golfer’s elbow usually does not cause large swelling, in some cases you may notice:

mild swelling
warmth
inflammation

These signs need proper clinical assessment.

9. Symptoms After an Injury or Sudden Strain

If pain started suddenly after:

lifting something heavy
gym injury
fall on the arm

do not ignore it.

A tendon tear or ligament injury may require urgent orthopaedic care.

10. No Relief With Physiotherapy or Medication

If you have already tried:

physiotherapy
pain relief medicines
braces
but symptoms continue, then advanced treatment may be needed.

Dr. Vishal Sahni offers specialised elbow care plans based on severity.

Why Early Consultation Is Important

Delaying treatment can lead to:

chronic tendon degeneration
long-term weakness
reduced elbow function
longer recovery time
need for surgical intervention in rare cases

Seeing the right elbow specialist early ensures faster healing and prevents complications.

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

At London Orthopedic Clinic Nagpur, diagnosis includes:

Clinical Examination

Dr. Sahni checks:

pain location
grip strength
tendon tenderness
movement limitations

Imaging (If Needed)

In persistent cases, tests may include:

X-ray (to rule out bone problems)
Ultrasound
MRI for tendon assessment

Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective recovery.

Best Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Treatment depends on severity and duration.

1. Activity Modification

Avoiding painful repetitive movements is essential.

2. Elbow Bracing

A supportive strap reduces tendon strain during daily activities.

3. Physiotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow

Targeted exercises help with:

tendon healing
flexibility
strengthening forearm muscles

4. Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments

For chronic cases, specialised orthopaedic procedures can provide relief without surgery.

5. Surgical Treatment (Only If Required)

Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered when pain persists for many months despite conservative care.

Dr. Vishal Sahni is highly experienced in advanced elbow procedures and sports injury management.

**Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Nagpur?**

Patients trust Dr. Sahni because of:

International training in orthopaedics
Expertise in elbow, shoulder, and wrist disorders
Modern evidence-based treatment approach
Personalised rehabilitation guidance
Focus on long-term recovery and return to work/sports

Dr. Vishal Sahni
MBBS, MS ORTHO
FRCS ORTHO (London)
MCH ORTHO (Liverpool)

London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur

When to Book an Appointment Immediately?

Book an orthopaedic consultation if:

pain is persistent
grip strength is reduced
symptoms affect daily work
you want expert non-surgical care
you need safe return to sports or gym

Ignoring golfer’s elbow can make it a long-term issue.

Early expert care gives the best recovery outcome.

Final Words: Don’t Live With Inner Elbow Pain

Golfer’s elbow may start as a small discomfort, but if left untreated, it can become a chronic and disabling condition.

If you are experiencing inner elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty using your arm normally, it is the right time to consult an experienced orthopaedic elbow specialist.

At London Orthopedic Clinic Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni provides advanced, patient-focused care for golfer’s elbow and all elbow tendon injuries.

Your elbow pain deserves expert attention — not delay.

FAQs – When Should You See a Doctor for Golfer’s Elbow?

1. What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons on the inner side of the elbow become irritated or damaged due to repetitive strain. It causes pain, weakness, and difficulty in gripping objects.

2. Is golfer’s elbow only seen in golfers?

No. Although it is called golfer’s elbow, it commonly affects people who do repetitive arm and wrist movements such as gym-goers, tennis players, office workers, plumbers, carpenters, and homemakers.

3. What are the early symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Early symptoms may include mild pain on the inner elbow, stiffness in the morning, discomfort while gripping, and soreness after physical activity.

4. When should I see a doctor for golfer’s elbow pain?

You should consult a doctor if your elbow pain lasts more than 7–10 days, keeps returning, affects daily activities, or does not improve with rest and basic home care.

5. Can golfer’s elbow heal on its own?

Mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification. However, persistent or severe cases require proper diagnosis and treatment from an orthopaedic specialist to prevent long-term damage.

6. What happens if golfer’s elbow is left untreated?

If ignored, golfer’s elbow can become chronic, leading to long-term pain, reduced grip strength, difficulty in arm movement, and slower recovery.

7. How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?

An orthopaedic doctor diagnoses golfer’s elbow through clinical examination. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be advised to assess tendon injury.

8. What are the best non-surgical treatments for golfer’s elbow?

Non-surgical treatment options include rest, elbow braces, physiotherapy, pain management, and advanced orthopaedic procedures for tendon healing.

9. Is physiotherapy important for golfer’s elbow recovery?

Yes. Physiotherapy plays a key role in strengthening the forearm muscles, improving flexibility, reducing pain, and preventing recurrence.

10. Can golfer’s elbow come back after treatment?

Yes, if repetitive strain continues without proper technique or strengthening exercises. Following the doctor’s guidance and rehabilitation plan reduces the chances of recurrence.

11. When is surgery required for golfer’s elbow?

Surgery is rarely needed. It is only considered in chronic cases where symptoms persist for several months despite conservative treatments.

12. Which doctor should I consult for golfer’s elbow in Nagpur?

For expert golfer’s elbow treatment in Nagpur, you can consult Dr. Vishal Sahni, an orthopaedic specialist in shoulder, elbow, and wrist disorders at London Orthopedic Clinic Nagpur.