Elbow Tendonitis & Golfer's Elbow Treatment in Seoul Care in English
Overuse can irritate the tendons on the inside, back or front of your elbow. Our orthopedic surgeons in Gangnam find which tendon is involved and build a step-by-step plan to get you moving comfortably again.
Gangnam Nanoori Hospital, at 731 Eonju-ro near Hakdong Station (Line 7, Exit 10), treats golfer's elbow, triceps and biceps tendinopathy and other overuse elbow pain in its orthopedic Joint Center. Care usually begins with an exam and ultrasound or X-ray, followed by activity changes and physical therapy, with image-guided injections or surgery only when needed. Book with an English-speaking coordinator by WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796.
Types of elbow tendon pain
Several tendons cross the elbow. Doctors often say tendinopathy rather than tendonitis, because long-lasting pain usually comes from tendon wear rather than true inflammation. Outer elbow pain is covered on our tennis elbow page; this page covers the others.
Golfer's elbow
Medial epicondylitis: pain on the inner elbow where the wrist-bending muscles attach, often from gripping, throwing or golf.
Triceps tendinopathy
Pain at the back of the elbow, common with heavy pressing, push-ups, dips or repeated straightening.
Distal biceps tendinopathy
Deep pain at the front of the elbow, often from lifting or turning the palm up against resistance.
Symptoms of elbow tendonitis
Overuse tendon pain usually comes on gradually and is worse with the activity that caused it.
Common symptoms
- Aching pain at one spot around the elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting or throwing
- Tenderness when you press on the tendon
- Stiffness after rest or first thing in the morning
- Weak grip or reduced pushing strength
- Pain that eases with rest but returns with activity
Seek care urgently if you have
- A sudden pop at the front of the elbow followed by bruising or a bulge in the upper arm
- Sudden loss of strength straightening or bending the elbow
- A hot, red, swollen elbow with fever
- Severe pain or deformity after a fall
These may signal a tendon rupture, infection or fracture that needs prompt assessment; in a life-threatening emergency in Korea, call 119.
A sudden biceps or triceps rupture is often repaired within a few weeks, so do not wait. Contact our Elbow Center promptly.
How elbow tendon problems are diagnosed
Your surgeon locates the tender tendon and tests it against resistance. Imaging is added when the diagnosis is unclear or a tear is suspected.
| Test | What it shows |
|---|---|
| Physical exam | Which tendon is painful and how strength and motion are affected |
| X-ray | Bone spurs, calcium in the tendon, arthritis or old injury |
| Ultrasound | Tendon thickening, partial tears and fluid, assessed in real time |
| MRI | Detailed view of tendon tears and other joint structures when needed |
| Nerve tests | Used if numbness or tingling suggests a nerve is also involved |
Treatment options for elbow tendonitis
Most overuse tendon problems improve without surgery. We start simple and step up only if needed. Recovery takes patience, because tendons adapt slowly, but steady progress over weeks is the usual pattern. Your surgeon and therapist will review how you are doing at each visit and adjust the plan.
Load management
Cut back the activities that provoke pain without stopping all movement. Adjust grip, technique and training volume.
Bracing and pain relief
A strap or brace, ice and short courses of pain relievers can calm symptoms while the tendon recovers.
Physical therapy
Our therapists guide progressive strengthening and stretching, which helps the tendon tolerate load again and lowers the chance of recurrence.
Image-guided injection
For persistent pain, an ultrasound-guided injection may be discussed. Your surgeon will explain short-term benefits and limitations.
Surgery when needed
Surgery to clean up or repair the tendon is considered for complete ruptures or for pain lasting many months despite good care.
Helping an overloaded tendon heal
Tendons adapt to load. With the right balance of rest and strengthening, a painful tendon can recover its strength.
Simplified medical illustration for education only, not a patient image. Results vary by condition and individual; your specialist will explain what to expect for your case.
Your Specialists
Care at this clinic is provided by Nanoori Joint Center orthopedic surgeons. Tap a doctor to see their full profile.
Common Questions
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?
Golfer's elbow affects the tendon on the inner side of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outer side. Both are overuse problems and are treated in similar ways. Read more on our tennis elbow page.
How long does elbow tendonitis take to get better?
Many people improve within six to twelve weeks of consistent treatment, though long-standing cases can take several months. Returning to full activity too quickly is a common reason for setbacks.
Can I keep working out?
Usually yes, with changes. Your therapist can help you modify exercises that load the painful tendon while keeping the rest of your body strong.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always. Many tendon problems are diagnosed with an exam and ultrasound. MRI is used when a tear is suspected or symptoms do not improve as expected.
I live abroad. Can I get a plan to continue at home?
Yes. After your assessment, our team can give you an exercise plan and English records and imaging so your local doctor or therapist can continue your care.
Can I use my insurance?
Foreign residents enrolled in Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) can use it at Nanoori. For international insurance, we provide billing documents for your claim; coverage depends on your insurer.
Get your elbow pain assessed in English
Message our international coordinators on WhatsApp at +82-10-6290-9796 to book in Gangnam.
Related Care
Last updated October 2026. This page is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Contact us · Gangnam Nanoori Hospital home
