Golfer's elbow
Golfer's elbow (also called medial epicondylitis) is pain on the inner side of the elbow where the forearm tendons attach. Read more about golfer's elbow →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the orthopaedics wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
orthopaedics waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust | Reading | 5 weeks |
| Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust | Bath and North East Somerset | 12 weeks |
| Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Liverpool | 13 weeks |
| George Eliot Hospital NHS Trust | Nuneaton and Bedworth | 13 weeks |
| South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust | Warwick | 14 weeks |
| University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust | Birmingham | 15 weeks |
| South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Middlesbrough | 15 weeks |
| University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Camden | 16 weeks |
About golfer's elbow
Golfer's elbow is pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm tendons attach, caused by overusing or straining them. Despite the name it is not just from golf; any repeated gripping or wrist movement can bring it on. It causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow that can spread down the forearm, and sometimes a weaker grip.
How it is treated
It usually settles without surgery. The main steps are resting from the activities that trigger it, pain relief, and exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm, sometimes with physiotherapy. A steroid injection is occasionally used. Surgery is rarely needed and only considered if the pain is severe and has not settled after a long time.
After treatment
Most people recover over several weeks to months with rest and exercises, though it can be slow. Easing back into gripping activities gradually and keeping up the exercises help stop it returning.
Sources: NHS: Tennis elbow. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.