Medial Epicondylitis

Medial Epicondylitis is an overuse injury often associated with excessive or repetitive stress to the muscles in the forearm that control elbow/wrist flexion and pronation.  It is a type of tendonitis that results in pain and tenderness along the inside of the elbow joint.  In some cases, it may radiate down the inside of the arm to the 4^th and 5^th digits (Ring and pinky fingers).  Medial epicondylitis affects the wrist flexors and pronators (Located on the front and inside of your forearm), which typically become irritated at their origin on the medial epicondyle of the humerus (Upper arm bone).  The specific muscles most commonly involved are the palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis, and pronator teres.  The palmaris longus and flexor carpi radialis are both wrist flexors, meaning that they work concentrically (Shorten) to bring the palm toward the inside of the forearm and eccentrically (Lengthen) to control the opposite motion.  The pronator teres muscle pronates the forearm meaning that it turns the forearm/palm to face down.

This injury is common among athletes who play golf and/or baseball, but is not limited to these individuals and can often occur in those who participate in racket sports (Tennis), throwing sports (Football, archery), and weight training when the improper technique is used resulting in increased stress on the medial elbow joint.  Occupations that involve extensive typing (desk jobs), or forceful and repetitive movements (Carpentry) may also predispose individuals to medial epicondylitis.  Other factors that may put an individual at an increased risk for medial epicondylitis are >40 years old, obesity, and smoking regularly.  Medial epicondylitis occurs equally in males and females with the majority reporting their dominant upper extremity to be affected.