Jeju Tennis Elbow · Golfer's Elbow — When Your Elbow Hurts After a Round or After the Harvest

Common elbow cases in Jeju

• CASE 01A recreational golfer with pain on the inside of the elbow after a roundThis is a problem at the attachment of the wrist-flexor tendons (golfer's elbow); we look at grip pressure, swing mechanics, and the habit of hitting the ground behind the ball. If the little finger tingles, we also check the ulnar nerve.
• CASE 02Someone with a sharp pain on the outside of the elbow after clipping tangerines and lifting cratesThis is damage at the outer bony point where the wrist-extensor tendons attach. Because repeated gripping is the cause, it is common during harvest season.
• CASE 03A haenyeo whose elbow hurts from hauling up nets after divingRepeated gripping and pulling can cause epicondylitis on both sides. We adjust the work motion and tool grip.
• CASE 04Someone in their 40s or 50s with a sharp pain on the outside of the elbow when lifting a kettle or frying panRepeated gripping, as in housework, is often the cause. It develops even if you never play tennis.
• CASE 05Someone whose elbow hurts after pull-ups or curls at the gymWe distinguish overload at the tendon attachment from biceps and triceps tendon problems. Weight and grip width are the triggering factors.
• CASE 06Someone with recurring pain after badminton or tennis backhandsThis is classic tennis elbow from racket sports. We check racket weight, grip size, and swing mechanics.

What it can be confused with

Most cases are a problem where the tendon attaches to the bone, but they must be distinguished from pain coming from the joint, nerves, or neck.

• CauseMain featuresHow we check
• Tennis elbow (outside)Tender when pressing the outer bony point; worse when extending the wrist or liftingProvocation tests, ultrasound for tendon degeneration
• Golfer's elbow (inside)Inner bony point; worse when flexing the wrist or grippingProvocation tests, ultrasound
• Ulnar nerve compressionTingling in the little and ring fingers, worse when bending the elbowNerve provocation tests, ultrasound
• Arthritis · loose bodiesCannot fully bend or straighten; catchingX-ray
• Radial tunnel syndromeFeels like tennis elbow, but the pain is lower downDifferential examination
• Pain referred from the neckElbow tests are normal; changes with neck postureDistinguished by neck examination

How Jeju Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic approaches it

With the elbow, we can see the tendon on ultrasound the same day, so the exam and testing are completed in one visit.

• Which movementsWe ask whether it is the outside or inside, which movements hurt, how often you golf, harvest, or dive, whether there is tingling, how long it has been going on, and what treatment you have had (especially the number of steroid injections).
• Measuring grip strengthWe check tenderness at the tendon attachment, resistance tests, grip strength, range of motion, nerve provocation tests, and the neck.
• Ultrasound on the spotWe look for tendon degeneration, partial tears, and calcification on ultrasound, and take an X-ray if the joint is suspected.
• Acute or chronicDepending on whether the tendon is acutely inflamed or has long-standing degeneration, we explain the combination of rest, bracing, shockwave therapy, and exercise, and how long it will take.
• Building up intensityWe record grip strength and pain scores while raising the intensity of loading exercises step by step.

How treatment proceeds

For long-standing epicondylitis, 'applying the right amount of load' helps recovery more than 'resting'. The order matters.

• Starting with movement and a strapWe change the gripping and lifting movements that hurt and use an elbow strap to reduce strain on the tendon attachment.
• Medication and physical therapy in the acute phaseTo control the pain.
• Shockwave for long-standing tendonsA standard treatment for chronic degeneration, usually given over several sessions.
• Gradually loaded exerciseEccentric exercises for the muscles that extend and flex the wrist rebuild the tendon. Our therapists raise the intensity step by step.
• Injections under ultrasound guidanceProlotherapy and PRP are considered after confirming the tendon lesion and decided after an examination. We do not repeat steroid injections.
• When surgery is the right choiceIf there is no improvement despite adequate treatment, we refer you to a partner hospital and handle post-surgical rehabilitation at our clinic.

What to keep in mind while recovering in Jeju

The benchmark for returning to normal with the elbow is 'grip strength'.

• Pain is greatly reduced even when pressing the bony point
• Grip strength is similar to the other side and gripping is pain-free
• No pain when resisting wrist extension and flexion
• Return to golf starts at the driving range with short clubs and half swings; reduce grip pressure and stretch the forearms before a round
• For harvest work, switch to clippers with larger handles and hold crates close to your body

These symptoms need prompt evaluation

• The elbow is swollen and hot and cannot bend or straighten at all — infection or fracture
• The shape of the elbow has changed after a fall
• Tingling in the little and ring fingers along with wasting of the hand muscles — ulnar nerve injury
• No change after more than 6 months of treatment, with pain at night as well

For a golfer, treating the elbow alone is not enough. Recurrence stops only when the grip, the swing, and the transfer of force from the shoulder and trunk change. The same goes for harvest work—we change 'how you grip' together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conditions in other areas

A guide to pain by body area from Jeju Team Doctor Orthopedic Clinic. View all conditions

• Jeju Knee Pain — Knee Conditions
• Jeju Ankle Sprain · Plantar Fasciitis — Foot · Ankle Conditions
• Jeju Back Pain · Herniated Disc — Lower Back Conditions
• Jeju Cervical Disc · Neck Pain — Neck Conditions
• Jeju Shoulder Pain · Frozen Shoulder · Rotator Cuff — Shoulder Conditions
• Jeju Hip Pain — Hip Conditions
• Jeju Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · Wrist Pain — Hand · Wrist Conditions