Dr. Scott Huff Explains Why “Golfer’s Elbow” Doesn’t Always Go Away on Its Own
You haven’t swung a golf club in weeks… maybe even months.
So why does your elbow still hurt?
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, orthopedic specialist Scott Huff frequently sees patients throughout Columbus and Central Ohio dealing with persistent inner elbow pain long after golf season ends.
Many patients assume the pain will eventually disappear with rest.
But when elbow pain lingers for months — especially pain affecting grip strength, lifting, or daily activity — there may be an underlying condition that requires orthopedic evaluation.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition involving irritation and degeneration of the tendons attached to the inside of the elbow.
Despite the name, golfer’s elbow doesn’t only affect golfers.
Dr. Huff commonly treats this condition in:
- Golfers
- Pickleball players
- Tennis players
- Weightlifters
- Contractors and tradespeople
- Office workers
- Active adults performing repetitive gripping motions
The condition develops when repetitive stress overloads the tendons responsible for wrist flexion and grip strength.
Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Patients with golfer’s elbow often experience:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Elbow pain while gripping objects
- Weak grip strength
- Pain lifting items
- Discomfort shaking hands
- Forearm tightness
- Pain swinging a golf club
- Symptoms that worsen after activity
For some patients, even simple tasks like opening jars, carrying groceries, or typing become uncomfortable.
Why Elbow Pain Sometimes Lasts for Months
One of the biggest misconceptions about golfer’s elbow is that it’s simply “inflammation.”
In reality, chronic golfer’s elbow often involves tendon degeneration and microtearing over time.
That’s why symptoms may continue even after:
- Golf season ends
- Activity levels decrease
- Temporary rest
- Ice or over-the-counter medications
According to Scott Huff, many patients wait too long before seeking evaluation because the pain initially comes and goes.
Unfortunately, tendon injuries can gradually worsen when repetitive strain continues.
Why Golfers Are Especially Vulnerable
Golf places repetitive stress through the elbows during:
- Swing acceleration
- Impact with the ground
- Grip pressure
- Repetitive practice sessions
Improper swing mechanics, overuse, poor flexibility, and inadequate recovery can all contribute to elbow injuries.
Even avid golfers in excellent shape can develop golfer’s elbow over time.
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, Dr. Huff frequently treats active adults who want to continue golfing, exercising, and staying active without chronic elbow pain limiting their lifestyle.
When Inner Elbow Pain May Be Something More Serious
Not every case of elbow pain is golfer’s elbow.
Persistent symptoms may also involve:
- Tendon tears
- Nerve compression
- Ulnar nerve irritation
- Ligament injuries
- Arthritis
- Joint instability
Patients should consider orthopedic evaluation if they experience:
- Persistent elbow pain lasting weeks or months
- Numbness or tingling into the fingers
- Weakness
- Pain affecting sleep
- Loss of grip strength
- Symptoms interfering with sports or work
Why Seeing the Right Specialist Matters
The elbow is a highly specialized joint involving:
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Nerves
- Bone and cartilage structures
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, Scott Huff provides specialized orthopedic evaluation and treatment for conditions involving the elbow, shoulder, knee, and ankle.
Orthopedic specialists receive advanced training focused on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal injuries affecting movement, strength, and long-term joint function.
Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow
Treatment depends on symptom severity and how long the condition has been present.
Options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Bracing
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Injection therapy
- Advanced imaging
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Surgical treatment in severe cases
Many patients improve significantly when treatment begins before tendon damage progresses further.
Don’t Let Elbow Pain Follow You Into the Next Golf Season
Many patients try to “play through” elbow pain far longer than they should.
But persistent pain is your body’s way of signaling that something may not be healing properly.
At Hand & Microsurgery Associates, Scott Huff helps golfers and active adults throughout Central Ohio identify the source of elbow pain and create treatment plans designed to restore strength, reduce pain, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Because the goal isn’t just getting through golf season — it’s staying active long after it ends.