Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
GOLFER’S ELBOW TREATMENT IN Elk grove Village & buffalo Grove
Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Schaumburg, IL
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand, wrist and elbow conditions, including golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis. Pain on the inside of the elbow can make swinging a club, throwing, lifting or even shaking hands uncomfortable, and you do not have to play golf to get it. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to settle the pain and restore your grip with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether your elbow pain began recently or has lingered for months, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation and a plan matched to how long symptoms have been present. He starts with non-surgical treatment, including biologic injections, and offers Tenex FAST, a minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure, for chronic elbow epicondylitis that has not responded to other care. Golfer’s elbow is one of the conditions treated as part of his broader elbow care(opens in a new tab).
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the orthopedic doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Inner Elbow Pain, Weak Grip & Pain When Swinging or Lifting
Signs and Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow develops when the tendons that attach the forearm flexor muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow become irritated or worn from repeated stress. Common signs include:
- Pain on the inside of the elbow: An ache or burning pain over the bony bump that can travel along the inner forearm toward the wrist.
- Pain typically worsens with gripping, swinging, throwing, lifting, or bending the wrist toward the palm.
- Weak grip: Difficulty holding a club, a tool or a bag because the elbow hurts or the hand feels weak.
- Tenderness at the elbow: A sore spot on the inside of the elbow when you press on it.
- Stiffness: An elbow or hand that feels stiff, especially after rest, or that is uncomfortable to straighten fully.
- Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers: Pins and needles that can come along with inner elbow pain.
- These symptoms can mean the ulnar nerve near the elbow is irritated as well, which is one reason an exam matters.
BRACING, PRP INJECTIONS & ULTRASOUND-GUIDED TENEX FAST
Golfer’s Elbow Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on how long symptoms have been present and how much they limit your daily life. Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Rest and activity changes, ice, bracing, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. These measures aim to calm the irritated tendon and let it heal, particularly when golfer’s elbow is caught early.
- Tenex FAST procedure: A minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided procedure for chronic elbow epicondylitis that takes about 15 minutes and requires no sutures. Most patients return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, though recovery varies from patient to patient.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the upper extremity, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and sports as soon as possible.
- Biologic Injection Therapy(opens in a new tab): Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a non-cortisone injection option that can be considered for some patients with tendon pain. Whether it is a good fit for your elbow depends on your exam and symptoms.
A procedure is considered when symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment and limit what you need to do each day. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It can follow repetitive gripping, wrist flexing or forearm rotation, as in golf, throwing sports, weightlifting and racquet sports, but it is just as common in people who use tools, type or do manual work. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand what may be driving their symptoms.
What is the difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow?
Both are forms of elbow epicondylitis, which is irritation of the tendons where forearm muscles attach at the elbow. Golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outside. They respond to similar treatment, and an exam helps confirm which one you have.
How is golfer’s elbow diagnosed?
Diagnosis starts with your history and a hands-on exam, including checking for tenderness on the inside of the elbow and pain when you flex the wrist or grip against resistance. Dr. Yaffe also checks the ulnar nerve if you have numbness or tingling. X-rays may be used to rule out other problems, and ultrasound or other imaging may be used when more detail is needed.
Can golfer’s elbow be treated without surgery?
Most of the time, yes. Rest, activity changes, ice, bracing, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication help many patients, especially when golfer’s elbow is caught early. If symptoms keep returning or have lasted for months, Dr. Yaffe will discuss injections or a minimally invasive procedure.
Can PRP injections help golfer’s elbow?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic injection made from a small sample of your own blood and is not cortisone-based. It is used for some patients with tendon pain. Results vary from person to person, and Dr. Yaffe can explain whether PRP makes sense for you based on your exam and how long you have had symptoms.
How does Tenex FAST work for golfer’s elbow?
Tenex FAST is a minimally invasive(opens in a new tab) procedure guided by ultrasound imaging, which lets Dr. Yaffe target the damaged part of the tendon. It takes about 15 minutes and requires no sutures. Results vary by patient, and Dr. Yaffe will discuss whether it fits your situation and what to expect.
What can I expect during my recovery from Tenex FAST?
Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for the days and weeks after the procedure, including when to begin stretching and strengthening and when to return to your usual activities. Most patients return to normal activities in about 4 to 6 weeks, though recovery timelines vary from patient to patient.
How can I get started with the best orthopedic specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note which activities bring on the pain.
Get Your Elbow Pain Evaluated by an Orthopedic Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.