Inner Elbow Pain When Lifting? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
Inner elbow pain with lifting and gripping is the classic sign of golfer's elbow — an overloaded tendon on the inside of the elbow. It's an irritated tendon, not damage, and progressive strengthening is the proven fix. Reduce the heaviest aggravating lifts temporarily while you load the tendon. If you also get tingling in the ring and pinky fingers, the nearby ulnar nerve may be involved and it's worth assessing.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. Golfer's elbow (inner-elbow tendinopathy) is the leading cause of inner-elbow pain with lifting and gripping. Less common causes. The ulnar nerve runs nearby; tingling in the ring/pinky fingers suggests cubital tunnel involvement.
What you can try at home
Reduce the heaviest or palm-up lifts temporarily, keep the arm gently active, and start gentle, progressive grip and wrist-flexor strengthening. Controlled loading is what helps the tendon recover.
When to see a physical therapist
If inner-elbow pain with lifting persists, a PT can confirm golfer's elbow (and check the nerve) and build a loading plan.
Red flags — don't wait
Seek care for tingling in the ring/pinky fingers that becomes constant, hand-muscle weakness, a hot swollen elbow with fever, or significant injury.
How a PT treats this
Treatment combines load management with progressive wrist-flexor and grip strengthening.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (4)
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow). — AAOS OrthoInfo
- Amin NH, et al. Medial epicondylitis: evaluation and management. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2015. — PubMed
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Therapeutic Exercise Program for Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow / Golfer's Elbow). — AAOS OrthoInfo
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome). — AAOS OrthoInfo
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.