How to prepare for a video visit about Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)

Audience: pediatric

Medial Epicondylitis, also known as Golfer’s Elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It happens when the tendons that connect the muscles of the forearm to the elbow become inflamed or irritated. Children and teens who play sports or do activities involving repeated arm movements may develop this condition. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help discuss symptoms, review activities, and suggest ways to manage pain and improve healing. During the visit, your provider may ask about your child’s pain, how it started, and any activities that make it worse. They might also guide you through simple movements to check how the elbow feels. Preparing for the visit by gathering information and having a quiet space will help make the appointment effective. Remember, telemedicine can support early care but may not replace the need for an in-person exam if symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe or increasing pain that limits movement — seek urgent medical care.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers — contact healthcare promptly.
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around the elbow that worsens — get evaluated in person.

What telemedicine can do

• Discussing symptoms and medical history related to elbow pain.
• Guiding gentle movement tests to assess pain and function.
• Providing advice on rest, ice, and activity modifications.
• Answering questions about managing symptoms at home.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing hands-on physical examination or imaging tests.
• Diagnosing complex or unclear cases that need specialist evaluation.
• Treating severe symptoms needing urgent or surgical care.
• Managing complications like nerve involvement or infections.

What is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?

Medial Epicondylitis is a condition where the tendons on the inside of the elbow become sore or inflamed. It often happens from overusing the arm, especially with activities that involve gripping or swinging. Children who play sports like golf, baseball, or tennis may get this condition, but it can also happen from other repetitive arm movements.

What to Expect During Your Video Visit

During the video visit, the healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms, such as where it hurts, when the pain started, and what activities make it worse. They may ask you to show the elbow on camera and guide your child through gentle movements to see how the elbow feels. The provider will discuss ways to reduce pain and protect the elbow from further injury.

How to Prepare for the Video Visit

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When to Seek In-Person Care

If your child has severe pain, swelling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand, or if symptoms get worse despite treatment, an in-person visit may be needed. Sometimes imaging tests or physical exams are required to rule out other problems.

Managing Medial Epicondylitis at Home

Your provider may suggest rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, using ice packs, and gentle stretching exercises. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help but should be used as directed. Following the provider’s advice can help your child recover and return to activities safely.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area with a stable internet connection for the video visit.
• Have your child wear short sleeves or clothing that allows easy access to the elbow.
• Prepare to describe when and how the elbow pain started and what activities affect it.
• List any treatments or medicines your child has already tried.
• Have a family member or caregiver available to help with the video call and movement demonstrations.
• Keep a notepad ready to write down the provider’s advice and instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the provider’s recommendations for rest and activity modification.
• Apply ice packs to the elbow as advised to reduce pain and swelling.
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if recommended and safe for your child.
• Perform any gentle stretching or strengthening exercises shown during the visit.
• Monitor symptoms and contact your provider if pain worsens or new symptoms develop.
• Schedule an in-person visit if advised or if symptoms do not improve as expected.

FAQs

What causes Medial Epicondylitis in children?

Medial Epicondylitis often results from repeated use of the forearm muscles, especially with activities that involve gripping, swinging, or throwing. Sports like golf, baseball, and tennis are common causes, but other repetitive movements can also lead to this condition.

Can a video visit diagnose Medial Epicondylitis?

A video visit can help your healthcare provider understand your child’s symptoms and guide simple movement tests. However, sometimes an in-person exam or imaging tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

What treatments can be recommended during a telemedicine visit?

Your provider may suggest rest, avoiding painful activities, using ice packs, and gentle exercises. They can also advise on safe use of over-the-counter pain medicines. More advanced treatments may require an in-person visit.

When should I take my child to the emergency room?

If your child has severe pain that stops them from moving the arm, numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers, or signs of infection like redness and warmth around the elbow, seek emergency care immediately.

How long does it take for Golfer’s Elbow to heal?

Healing time varies but often takes several weeks to a few months with proper rest and care. Following your provider’s advice can help speed recovery and prevent further injury.

Sources

1. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) — MedlinePlus | U.S. National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health.
2. Golfer's Elbow — Mayo Clinic: Patient Care and Health Information.
3. Tendinitis and Bursitis — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow) Overview — National Library of Medicine.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child has severe symptoms or if you are concerned about their health, please seek prompt medical attention.