Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow, baseball elbow, suitcase elbow, or forehand tennis elbow, is characterized by pain from the elbow to the wrist on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that bend the wrist toward the palm. A tendon is a tough cord of tissue that connects muscles to bones.
What causes medial epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is caused by the excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm, such as swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball. Other possible causes of medial epicondylitis include the following:
• serving with great force in tennis or using a spin serve • weak shoulder and wrist muscles • using a too tightly strung, too short, and/or too heavy tennis racket • throwing a javelin • carrying a heavy suitcase • chopping wood with an ax • operating a chain saw • frequent use of other hand tools on a continuous basis Treatment for medial epicondylitis:
Specific treatment for medial epicondylitis will be determined by your physician based on: • your age, overall health, and medical history • extent of the condition • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, and therapies • expectation for the course of the condition • your opinion or preference
