Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both overuse injuries, but they affect different tendons and cause pain in different areas of the elbow.
- Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow.
- Both conditions may share symptoms such as pain, weakness, stiffness, and reduced grip strength, but their specific triggers and tendon involvement differ.
- Diagnosis typically includes a physical exam, symptom history, and, when necessary, imaging to rule out other causes of elbow pain.
- Dr. Kevin McCarthy provides expert diagnosis and treatment of elbow pain, including nonsurgical care, physical therapy guidance, injections, bracing, and, when appropriate, surgical options, in Hollywood, FL. Schedule an appointment today for personalized elbow treatment.
Symptoms: How Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Feel Different
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
The most common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Pain that may radiate down the forearm
- Discomfort when lifting or gripping objects
These symptoms often worsen with activities that involve repetitive wrist extension—such as using tools, typing, lifting objects with the palm facing down, or playing racquet sports.
Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms
Golfer’s elbow symptoms occur on the inside of the elbow and may include:
- Pain or tenderness along the inner elbow
- Stiffness when bending or straightening the arm
- Pain during gripping, twisting, or wrist flexion
- Weakness in the wrist or hand
- Numbness or tingling that may radiate toward the ring or pinky finger
Golfer’s elbow tends to worsen with repetitive wrist flexion movements, such as throwing, lifting with the palm facing up, or gripping tightly.
Causes and Risk Factors
Both conditions develop from repetitive strain, but the specific movements involved differ based on tendon function.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that extend the wrist become irritated or overloaded, often due to repetitive motions or activities that involve frequent gripping, lifting, or wrist extension.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive wrist extension
- Activities like tennis, painting, carpentry, typing, or using tools
- Overuse of the forearm muscles
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow affects the wrist flexor tendons. While associated with golf, it is frequently caused by any activity requiring repeated gripping or bending of the wrist.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive wrist flexion
- Throwing sports
- Weightlifting
- Jobs requiring repetitive gripping or twisting
Shared Risk Factors
- Age (40+)
- Repetitive or strenuous arm motions
- Improper technique during sports or work
- Poor forearm strength or flexibility
Both conditions may develop gradually and worsen if left untreated.
How These Conditions Affect Daily Activities
Because the elbow is essential for gripping, lifting, and rotating the arm, both injuries can interfere with:
- Carrying groceries
- Using tools
- Typing or computer work
- Opening jars or bottles
- Sports and exercise
- Daily household tasks
Tennis elbow may make it difficult to lift objects with the palm facing down, while golfer’s elbow affects tasks involving gripping tightly or flexing the wrist.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: Comparison Table
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Pain | Outside of the elbow | Inside of the elbow |
| Medical Term | Lateral epicondylitis | Medial epicondylitis |
| Tendons Affected | Wrist extensors | Wrist flexors |
| Common Symptoms | Outer elbow pain, weak grip, radiating forearm pain | Inner elbow pain, stiffness, wrist weakness |
| Aggravating Movements | Gripping, lifting palm down, wrist extension | Gripping tightly, wrist flexion, and throwing |
| Common Activities | Racquet sports, typing, carpentry | Golf, baseball, weightlifting |
Diagnosing Elbow Pain: How Specialists Tell the Difference
A proper diagnosis is essential because the treatments for each condition target different muscles and tendons.
Physical Examination
Dr. McCarthy evaluates:
- Tenderness along the inner or outer elbow
- Grip strength
- Pain during wrist flexion or extension
- Range of motion
Imaging
Depending on symptoms, imaging may be used to rule out other causes of pain. Diagnostic methods may include:
- X-rays: To evaluate bone structure
- Ultrasound or MRI: To assess tendon inflammation or tears
Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether nonsurgical or surgical care is necessary.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Dr. Kevin McCarthy offers a wide range of treatments to help reduce pain, restore function, and prevent progression of these elbow injuries.
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
These are the most common and often the most effective first-line treatments.
Rest & Activity Modification
Reducing repetitive motions that irritate the tendons is essential for healing.
Physical Therapy
Customized exercises strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and support tendon healing.
Medications
Anti-inflammatory medications may help reduce pain and swelling.
Bracing
Elbow straps or braces relieve pressure on the injured tendons and support daily activities.
Injections
Dr. McCarthy offers injections for targeted relief, including:
- Corticosteroid injections
- Viscosupplementation injections for inflammation
Surgical Treatment (When Necessary)
Surgery is typically only recommended when symptoms fail to improve with nonsurgical care after several months.
Elbow Surgery
In severe cases, Dr. McCarthy may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to remove damaged tendon tissue and restore function.
While most patients recover well with conservative treatment, surgical intervention can be highly effective when needed.
Prevention Tips for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Preventing recurrence or avoiding these conditions altogether involves supporting elbow strength and reducing tendon stress.
How to Prevent Tennis Elbow
- Strengthen forearm extensors
- Avoid repetitive gripping without rest
- Use ergonomic tools or equipment
- Stretch before activity
How to Prevent Golfer’s Elbow
- Strengthen wrist flexors
- Focus on proper technique during sports
- Warm up before intense activity
- Reduce repetitive wrist bending
General Prevention Tips
- Maintain overall shoulder and arm strength
- Use proper posture
- Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks
Get Expert Elbow Pain Treatment in Hollywood, FL
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can limit daily activities and cause persistent discomfort, but early diagnosis and proper treatment can help you recover fully. Dr. Kevin McCarthy offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment of elbow pain, including nonsurgical care, injections, physical therapy guidance, bracing, and advanced surgical options when appropriate.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kevin McCarthy today to receive personalized tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow treatment and start your recovery with an experienced orthopedic specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow. Each condition involves different tendons and movements.
How are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow diagnosed?
Diagnosis includes a physical exam, symptom review, and in some cases imaging such as X-rays or ultrasound to identify tendon inflammation or tears.
Do tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow require surgery?
Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments. Surgery is only considered when conservative care fails after several months or when significant tendon damage is present.
What activities make tennis elbow worse?
Repetitive wrist extension, gripping, lifting objects palm-down, or using tools can aggravate tennis elbow.
How can I prevent elbow injuries like these?
Strengthening forearm muscles, using proper technique, stretching regularly, and avoiding repetitive strain can help prevent both conditions.
