Elbow pain can interfere with even the simplest tasks like gripping objects, writing, or cooking, and pinpointing the exact problem is essential for effective treatment. Two of the most prevalent causes of elbow discomfort are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Though these conditions seem similar, they affect different tendons, arise from distinct activities, and require tailored treatment approaches.
Tennis elbow targets the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow impacts the inner side. Both conditions stem from repetitive strain, but the specific actions involved—wrist extension vs wrist flexion—define their differences. Accurate diagnosis helps ensure that the chosen treatment addresses the root cause of the pain rather than just the symptoms.
Elbow injuries, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, account for nearly 50% of all elbow-related issues seen in athletes and physically active individuals, according to the Journal of Orthopaedic Research. These injuries are not limited to sports players—manual laborers, office workers, and hobbyists can also experience these conditions due to repetitive movements or improper ergonomics.
Tennis elbow is slightly more common than golfer’s elbow, especially in individuals aged 30–50. Around 5% of tennis elbow cases require surgical intervention after non-surgical treatments fail, while recovery for golfer’s elbow is generally quicker with proper therapy and support.
In this article, we’ll break down the causes, symptoms, and treatments for tennis elbow vs golfer’s elbow, offering research-backed insights to help you make informed decisions about your recovery. Whether you're a weekend golfer, an office worker, or a professional athlete, the knowledge here will empower you to take effective action against elbow pain.
What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common overuse injuries that stem from repetitive motions. While they share some similarities, they impact different tendons and parts of the elbow, making proper diagnosis and treatment essential.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow refers to inflammation or micro-tears in the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle, located on the outer side of your elbow. Activities involving repetitive wrist extension, like racket sports, carpentry, painting, or prolonged typing, can strain the forearm’s extensor muscles, leading to this condition.
Common Causes:
Racket sports such as tennis and badminton.
Occupational activities like typing or using heavy tools.
Affected Tendons: Extensor carpi radialis brevis and related tendons.
Prevalence: Tennis elbow is slightly more common in individuals aged 30–50 and tends to affect athletes or those performing repetitive tasks.
Symptoms:
Pain or Tenderness: Typically felt on the outer side of the elbow.
Discomfort During Wrist Extension: Actions such as lifting objects or shaking hands may exacerbate the pain.
Weak Grip Strength: Difficulty holding or squeezing objects.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow impacts the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle, located on the inner side of your elbow. It typically develops from repetitive wrist flexion. Common triggers include golf swings, throwing sports (e.g., baseball or cricket), and activities such as gardening or carrying heavy loads.
Common Causes:
Golfing and pitching sports.
Occupations requiring repetitive wrist motions, such as assembly-line work.
Affected Tendons: Flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres, and adjacent tendons.
Prevalence: Golfer’s elbow can occur across all age groups, but it is particularly common in individuals engaging in sports with gripping or throwing motions.
Symptoms:
Pain or Tenderness: Felt on the inner side of the elbow.
Stiffness or Weakness: Reduced flexibility and strength in the wrist or hand.
Difficulty Grasping or Squeezing Objects: Tasks like opening jars or gripping tools may become challenging.
What is the Differences Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
While both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are tendonitis-related injuries that result from repetitive strain, understanding their differences is crucial for diagnosis and treatment. Here’s an in-depth look at how they differ:
| Aspect | Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow |
| Location of Pain | Pain occurs on the outer side of the elbow, specifically around the lateral epicondyle. | Pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow, near the medial epicondyle. |
| Causes | Triggered by repetitive wrist extension or activities involving the overuse of forearm extensor muscles, such as racket sports, painting, or typing. | Caused by repetitive wrist flexion and the overuse of forearm flexor muscles during golf swings, pitching, gardening, or manual labor. |
| Affected Tendons | Involves tendons connected to the lateral epicondyle, including the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor digitorum. | Affects tendons connected to the medial epicondyle, such as the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres. |
| Symptoms | - Tenderness or pain on the outer elbow. - Discomfort during activities like shaking hands or lifting objects. - Weak grip strength or difficulty holding items. | - Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow. - Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the wrist. - Difficulty grasping or squeezing objects, such as tools or sports equipment. |
| Common Demographics | More prevalent in racket sport players or individuals aged 30–50 who frequently perform repetitive tasks. | Frequently occurs in golfers, pitchers, and individuals involved in activities requiring gripping motions. |
By recognizing whether your pain stems from tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, you can choose the appropriate brace, exercises, and treatment plan. For example, a counterforce brace is ideal for tennis elbow as it targets the outer tendons, while a compression sleeve is beneficial for golfer’s elbow by providing support to the inner tendons.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow vs Golfers Elbow
Fortunately, both conditions respond well to non-surgical treatments. Here’s how you can manage the pain:
Non-Invasive Treatments
Rest: Avoid repetitive activities that worsen the condition.
Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Medications like ibuprofenhelp manage discomfort.
Stretching Exercises: Gradually strengthen forearm muscles with physical therapy routines.
Support Devices
Proper braces are essential for recovery:
Tennis Elbow Braces:Counterforce braces reduce strain on the extensor tendons, improving mobility and pain relief.
Golfer’s Elbow Sleeves: Compression sleeves alleviate discomfort and enhance circulation for faster healing.
Advanced Treatments
If non-invasive methods don’t suffice, consult a medical professional for options like:
Steroid Injections: Provide temporary relief for severe inflammation.
Surgery: Considered a last resort to repair severely damaged tendons.
Research Insights on Elbow Injuries
Scientific studies confirm the efficacy of early intervention in preventing chronic conditions related to elbow injuries:-
| Study | Key Findings |
| Journal of Orthopaedic Research | Counterforce braces improve pain relief and elbow functionality in tennis elbow patients. |
| American Journal of Sports Medicine | Physiotherapy combined with braces accelerates recovery for tendonitis-related injuries. |
These findings underscore the importance of using proper support devices and personalized treatment plans for long-term recovery.
Closing Notes
Differentiating between tennis elbow vs golfer’s elbow is vital for choosing the correct treatment approach. Whether it’s a counterforce brace for tennis elbow or a compression sleeve for golfer’s elbow, the right support can drastically improve your recovery. Explore high-quality elbow supports tailored to your needs at BodyAssist and take the first step toward pain-free living!
What’s Your Experience with Elbow Pain?
- Have you tried a specific treatment or support device for tennis or golfer’s elbow? Share your tips and success stories to help others on their recovery journey!
Also Read:- Can Plantar Fasciitis Cause Knee and Hip Pain?
Disclaimer
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only. We do not offer medical advice under any circumstances. A medical professional must be consulted for any advice, diagnosis, or treatment of health-related issues. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. The author will not be held responsible for any misuse of this information. No guarantees are made either expressed or implied. If you need clarification on any information presented here, please seek medical advice before using any suggested product.
FAQs
Q:- How do I know if I have tennis or golfer's elbow?
Ans. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer elbow, worsened by wrist extension. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow, triggered by wrist flexion. Stiffness, tenderness, and grip weakness help differentiate. Consult a doctor for confirmation.
Q:- What happens if golfer's elbow goes untreated?
Ans. Untreated golfer’s elbow can cause chronic pain, reduced mobility, and tendon damage, increasing the risk of permanent functional loss or surgery. Early treatment like rest, therapy, and braces prevents long-term complications.
Q:- How do you fix tennis or golfer's elbow?
Ans. Effective treatment includes rest, ice therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and braces to reduce strain. Strengthening exercises enhance tendon recovery, while severe cases may require steroid injections or surgical intervention.
Q:- Should I wear my golfer's elbow brace all the time?
Ans. No, wear the brace during activities that strain the elbow. Continuous use might weaken muscles. Follow professional advice for optimal usage to aid recovery without compromising natural strength.
Q:- Is it better to keep your arm straight or bent with tennis elbow?
Ans. Keeping your arm slightly bent reduces tendon strain and relieves tennis elbow pain. Straightening may aggravate discomfort during rest but could be required for certain physical therapy exercises. Follow medical recommendations for proper positioning.