Conditions we diagnose and treat

Golfer's Elbow Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Golfer's elbow, also called medial epicondylalgia or medial elbow tendinopathy, is pain on the inner side of the elbow where the tendons that bend the wrist and fingers attach to the bone.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

Despite the name, most people who get it do not play golf. It is caused by repeated or heavy gripping, lifting and wrist movements, and is common in people who do manual work, racket and throwing sports, gym training or long hours at a keyboard. It is similar to tennis elbow, which affects the outer side of the elbow. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses ultrasound to assess the tendon and, where it is the right option for you, offers ultrasound-guided injections alongside a rehabilitation plan.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of golfer's elbow

Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes spreading into the forearm.
Pain when gripping, lifting, shaking hands or turning a door handle.
Pain when bending the wrist forwards against resistance.
Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning.
Weakness of grip.

If you notice tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers, or weakness in the hand, tell us, as the nerve that runs close to the inner elbow can also be affected. If the elbow is hot, red and swollen with a fever, seek urgent medical advice.

How we diagnose golfer's elbow

Golfer’s elbow is usually recognised from your symptoms and an elbow examination. Dr Sankaye will check where you are tender and which movements reproduce your pain, and will also check the nerve on the inner side of the elbow.

Ultrasound shows thickening and changes in the tendon, small tears, and any increased blood flow that can go with a painful tendon. It can also show the ulnar nerve and help rule out other causes of inner elbow pain, such as a ligament injury in throwing athletes. If a joint problem, loose body or more complex injury is suspected, an X-ray or MRI can be arranged.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms, work, sport and any previous scans or treatment.
He scans your elbow with ultrasound, and arranges an X-ray or MRI if needed.
He explains the findings and discusses your options, including rehabilitation.
If you decide to go ahead with an injection, it is done under ultrasound guidance.
You receive aftercare advice and a written report, which can be shared with your GP or physiotherapist.

Treatment options

Most people improve with time and a structured approach, so these measures come first:

Load management: reducing the activities that aggravate the pain without stopping all use of the arm.
Exercise-based rehabilitation: a progressive strengthening programme for the forearm muscles, guided by a physiotherapist, is the mainstay of treatment.
Technique and equipment: adjustments to grip, tools, workstation or sports technique.
A forearm brace: some people find a strap below the elbow helpful during activity.

If pain persists despite rehabilitation, the options at LSRI include:

Ultrasound-guided steroid injection: can give short-term pain relief, which may help you get going with rehabilitation. It is not usually a long-term answer for tendon pain, and repeated steroid injections into tendons are generally avoided, so Dr Sankaye will discuss carefully whether it is right for you.
PRP injection: platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a small sample of your own blood, is sometimes used for long-standing elbow tendon pain. The evidence is mixed and still developing, and it works best alongside a rehabilitation programme.
Tendon procedures: in selected cases, ultrasound-guided needling of the tendon may be considered.
MSK specialist consultation: a detailed review of your symptoms, scans and previous treatment, with a clear plan.

Surgery is rarely needed. Dr Sankaye can advise when an orthopaedic surgeon’s opinion is worthwhile, for example if symptoms persist despite a full course of treatment or if nerve symptoms are significant.

Questions about golfer's elbow

What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?

Both are tendon problems at the elbow. Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inner side, used to bend the wrist and fingers. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outer side, used to straighten the wrist. Treatment is similar for both.

How long does golfer's elbow take to get better?

It varies. Tendon pain often settles slowly over months, and a steady, progressive exercise programme usually gives the best chance of lasting improvement.

Should I stop training?

Complete rest is not usually needed. Reducing the activities that flare your pain, while keeping the arm active and following a strengthening programme, tends to work better.

Which injection is best?

There is no single best injection for everyone. Steroid may help settle pain in the short term, while PRP is sometimes used for longer-standing problems. Dr Sankaye will explain the pros and cons of each in your situation.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.