Serpil Rahymov

​​

​​

​

     Elbow pain is a surprisingly common issue, affecting everyone from athletes to office workers. Among the most frequent culprits are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow- two conditions that sound similar but have distinct causes, symptoms, and treatments. Despite their sporty names, you don’t have to play tennis or golf to suffer from them. Many people develop these conditions from everyday repetitive motions, such as typing, lifting, or using tools. Understanding the difference between the two is key to effective treatment and long-term relief.

​

​​

What Is Tennis Elbow?​

​​

     Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, involves pain and inflammation on the outer part of the forearm, which are responsible for straightening the wrist and fingers, Repetitive activities- such as racquet sports, painting, typing, or even opening jars- can strain the tendons that attach these muscles to the outer elbow, leading to small tears and chronic irritation. Common symptoms of tennis elbow include: Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, weakened grip strength, and/or pain that worsens when lifting objects or extending the wrist. While tennis players are at risk, this condition is also likely to occur in individuals who spend long hours on the computer or perform repetitive arm motions at work.

 

​

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

​

     Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, affects the inner part of the elbow and involves the flexor muscles —those that help bend the wrist and fingers. This condition is caused by repetitive gripping or wrist-flexing motions, making it common in not only golfers but also weightlifters, construction workers, plumbers, and even hairstylists. Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include: Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, stiffness or difficulty moving the elbow, and/or tingling or numbness that may radiate into the fingers. Similar to tennis elbow, the location of the pain and the muscles involved make it a distinct condition with different treatment focuses.

 

​

Comparing Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

​

     While both conditions involve overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, they differ in very different key ways. The pain location is in the outer part of the elbow for tennis elbow, while for golfer’s elbow it is located in the inner part. For the muscle group, the tennis elbow includes the wrist and finger extensors, golfer’s elbow includes the wrist and finger flexors. Also differs when it comes to wrist movement pain, for tennis elbow it is extending the wrist, while for golfer’s elbow it is flexing the wrist. The clearest way to distinguish between the two is to identify where the pain occurs: outside of the elbow (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow).

 

​

Causes and Risk Factors

​

     Both conditions are classified as repetitive strain injuries. The tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow can become damaged from repetitive stress, improper technique, or overuse without adequate rest. Risk factors include: Occupations involving frequent wrist or hand movement, poor posture or biomechanics, aging (usually affects people aged 30-50), and/or lack of proper warm-up or stretching before activity.

 

​

Diagnosis and When to Seek Help

​

     Diagnosis is usually based on a physical exam, where a healthcare provider will test for tenderness and pain during wrist movements. Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs may be used to rule out other conditions, such as arthritis or nerve compression. If elbow pain persists for more than a week, interferes with daily tasks, or worsens with movement, it’s important to consult a medical professional.

 

​

Treatment Options and Prevention Tips

​

     The good news is that most cases of tennis or golfer’s elbow respond well to non-surgical treatment. Effective strategies include: Rest and activity modification, Ice therapy, Physical Therapy, Anti-inflammatory medications, or Bracing. In more severe or persistent cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or surgery to repair damaged tissue. Preventing elbow overuse injuries comes down to being proactive: Warm up and stretch before physical activity, use proper technique in sports and at work, strengthen the forearm muscles to increase tendon resilience, take regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and use ergonomic tools or supports for work and exercise. By listening to early signs of discomfort and adjusting activity, individuals can often prevent minor irritation from becoming a chronic injury.

 

​

Conclusion

​

     Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow may sound like niche sports injuries, but they’re far more common than their names suggest. The main difference lies in the location of the pain and the muscle groups involved. With proper diagnosis and treatment, both conditions can heal completely-allowing you to return to your favorite activities pain-free. Whether your elbow pain is from typing, swinging, or lifting, understanding the cause is the first step toward recovery.