The Main Cause of Golfer’s Elbow: Why Gym-Goers Are at Risk
- Matthew Barrett
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
If you’ve been getting that nagging ache or sharp pain on the inside of your elbow, you might have heard the phrase golfer’s elbow. The name is a little misleading though, you don’t need to spend weekends on the golf course to develop it. In fact, I see it just as often in people who spend more time lifting weights at the gym than swinging a club.
So, what’s really behind golfer’s elbow, and why are gym-goers particularly prone to it? Time to break it down.
What Exactly Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow (or medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury. It happens when the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow become irritated or develop tiny tears. Doesn't sound so fun!
These tendons are linked to the muscles that help you grip and bend your wrist, movements you do hundreds of times without even realising. In the gym, think about every pull-up, row, curl, or deadlift. Each of those movements relies on gripping hard and flexing the wrist, which guess what? Means stress on the inner elbow. When that pressure builds up faster than the tendon can adapt, that's when pain starts to set in.
The Main Cause: Repetitive Strain
For most gym-goers, the main cause of golfer’s elbow is repetitive gripping and lifting, especially when combined with poor form or suddenly increasing weights. It’s not usually one single moment of injury but rather the accumulation of stress over weeks or months.
One common example is during bicep curls. If your wrists bend back slightly while you’re curling, the tendons at the inside of the elbow take on a lot of extra strain. Over time, that irritation builds up, and the result is pain that flares whenever you grip, lift, or carry.
Why It’s Common in the Gym
The gym is a perfect setting for golfer’s elbow because so many exercises rely on strong gripping. Pull-ups, rows, kettlebell swings, and heavy barbell lifts all demand a lot from your forearm and elbow. Add in the fact that many people push themselves to lift heavier or train more often, and the tendons sometimes don’t get the recovery time they need.
I often see this in people who are otherwise fit and strong but perhaps haven’t realised how much load their elbows are quietly taking on during training. It’s not just the big lifts either; repetitive movements with lighter weights, done with poor form, can have the same effect.
It's one of the reasons why it is important to have an induction at your local gym so you can be 100% sure on how to use the equipment and avoid unnecessary strain or injury.
What Can You Do If You’ve Got It?
The first thing to say is that golfer’s elbow doesn’t mean the end of your training. With some adjustments, most people can keep active while their elbow recovers. My biggest advice would be to listen to your body and make changes before the pain gets worse.
That might mean cutting back or modifying the exercises that aggravate it, like curls or heavy rows. Paying attention to your form is essential too; keeping the wrists straight and not over-gripping can make a huge difference. Some people also benefit from simple stretches and strengthening work for the forearm muscles to improve resilience.
If the pain isn’t settling, that’s the time to get it checked properly with your GP or a private elbow specialist like myself. Physiotherapy, tailored exercises, or sometimes an injection can help calm things down and get you back on track.
So, the main cause of golfer’s elbow is that repetitive gripping and lifting motion, something gym-goers are doing all the time. It’s one of those injuries that creeps up gradually, but the good news is, with the right adjustments and support, it’s very treatable.
If your elbow pain is stopping you from training or getting in the way of day-to-day life, don’t ignore it. Getting a clear diagnosis and a tailored plan makes all the difference in speeding up recovery and getting you back to doing what you enjoy.
