Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrists and fingers. The damage is usually related to overuse or repeated stress – especially strong movements of the wrist and fingers. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warm-up or poor conditioning can also contribute to golfer’s elbow.

Besides golf, many activities and occupations can lead to medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), including:

• Tennis. Improper technique with tennis racquets, especially the back hand, can cause tendon injury. Excessive use of the top tip and using a racquet that is too small or heavy can lead to injury.

• Throwing sports. Another culprit may be poor pitching technique in baseball or softball. Football, archery and javelin throwing can also cause medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow).

• Weight training. Lifting weights using improper technique, such as curling your wrists during a biceps exercise, can overload elbow muscles and tendons.

• Strong, repetitive job movements. They occur in areas such as construction, plumbing and carpentry.

In order to cause medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), activity generally needs to be done for more than an hour a day, on many days.