Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)

Excerpt

Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer's elbow or pitcher's elbow, is a tendinopathy involving the common flexor-pronator origin at the medial epicondyle of the distal humerus. Medial epicondylitis results from repetitive overload of the flexor-pronator musculotendinous unit and is characterized by medial elbow pain, localized tenderness over the common flexor origin, and pain with resisted wrist flexion and forearm pronation.

The medial epicondyle serves as the common origin of the pronator teres, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, and flexor digitorum superficialis, all innervated by the median nerve, and also the humeral head of the flexor carpi ulnaris, which is innervated by the ulnar nerve. The confluence of these muscles forms a common flexor tendon approximately 3 cm long that crosses the medial ulnohumeral joint and lies adjacent and anterior to the ulnar collateral ligament, acting as a dynamic stabilizer against valgus stress. Although classically associated with golf and overhead throwing, most cases arise in non-athletes, particularly those engaged in repetitive, forceful gripping and manual labor. The condition is less common and generally more challenging to manage than lateral epicondylitis.