Medial epicondylitis : a review of clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management in the United Kingdom
Tahir, Abdullah Chanian, Nihal Tiwana, Simrat Sahu, Muhammad Arham Blackwell, John
Tahir, Abdullah
Chanian, Nihal
Tiwana, Simrat
Sahu, Muhammad Arham
Blackwell, John
Abstract
Medial epicondylitis is a chronic tendinopathic disorder involving the flexor-pronator origin of the medial elbow, characterised by pain and functional limitation related to repetitive loading and microtrauma. The condition exemplifies the broader spectrum of overuse injuries that result from cumulative strain exceeding the capacity for tendon repair. Diagnosis relies primarily on clinical evaluation, with imaging modalities used selectively to define the extent of pathology or to exclude alternative causes of medial elbow pain. Management follows a structured, stepwise approach, centred on conservative therapy, including rest, physiotherapy, and graduated strengthening programmes that are supported by adjunctive interventions when symptoms persist. Surgical management is considered only in cases of chronic, treatment-resistant disease. Growing recognition of this condition in both community and inpatient populations highlights its relevance to multidisciplinary care and underscores the value of coordinated management strategies that combine clinical assessment, rehabilitation, and targeted use of imaging to optimise outcomes.
MIDER Authors
Affiliations
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust; The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust; University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust; Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust; Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Date
2026-01-25
Type
Article
Subject
Collections
Citation
Tahir A, Chanian N, Tiwana S, Sahu MA, Blackwell J. Medial Epicondylitis: A Review of Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, and Management in the United Kingdom. Cureus. 2026 Jan 25;18(1):e102264. doi: 10.7759/cureus.102264. PMID: 41742972; PMCID: PMC12931734.