Tennis Elbow vs. Golf Elbow: What's the Difference?

If you've been experiencing elbow pain that won't go away, you might be dealing with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. These two conditions share some similarities, but they affect different parts of your elbow and require slightly different approaches to treatment.

Understanding the differences between tennis elbow vs. golf elbow​ can help you identify which condition you're dealing with and find the right path to relief.

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Understanding Tennis Elbow vs. Golf Elbow

What Is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the outer part of your elbow. It happens when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow become damaged from overuse.

Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to develop this condition. In fact, most people who get tennis elbow have never picked up a racket.

What Is Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)?

Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the inner side of your elbow instead. This condition damages the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.

Like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow can affect anyone, not just golfers. The condition develops from repetitive motions that strain the inner elbow tendons.

How Common Are These Conditions?

Both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are relatively common overuse injuries. Tennis elbow affects about 1-3% of the general population, making it more common than golfer's elbow.

These conditions typically affect people between ages 30 and 50, though anyone can develop them. People who perform repetitive arm motions at work or during recreational activities face a higher risk.

Key Differences: Tennis Elbow vs. Golf Elbow

Location of Pain and Inflammation

The most obvious difference between tennis elbow vs. golfer's elbow is where the pain occurs. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of your elbow, while golfer's elbow creates pain on the inner side.

When you have tennis elbow, the pain often radiates down the outside of your forearm toward your wrist. With golfer's elbow, pain typically spreads along the inner forearm.

Both conditions can make simple tasks like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting objects uncomfortable.

Which Activities Trigger Each Condition?

Tennis elbow develops from activities that repeatedly extend your wrist or rotate your forearm. These include painting, using a screwdriver, typing, or playing racket sports with improper form.

Golfer's elbow results from activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion or gripping. Golf, throwing sports, weightlifting, and jobs requiring frequent hammering or tool use can trigger this condition.

Risk Factors for Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow

Age is a risk factor for both conditions, as tendons become less flexible over time. Poor technique during sports or work activities increases your chances of developing either condition.

Occupations requiring repetitive arm movements put workers at higher risk for tennis elbow. Similarly, jobs involving heavy gripping or wrist flexion increase golfer's elbow risk.

Smoking, obesity, and certain health conditions like diabetes can also slow tendon healing and increase your risk.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow

Tennis Elbow Warning Signs

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow. This pain usually develops gradually rather than suddenly.

You might notice weakness in your grip, making it difficult to hold a coffee cup or shake someone's hand. The pain often worsens when you lift objects, twist your forearm, or extend your wrist.

Some people experience a burning sensation on the outer elbow that intensifies during specific movements.

Golfer's Elbow Warning Signs

Golfer's elbow causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow. The discomfort may extend along the inner forearm to your wrist.

Stiffness in the elbow joint is common, especially in the morning. You might feel weakness when gripping objects or flexing your wrist.

The pain typically gets worse when you swing a golf club, throw a ball, or perform pulling motions.

When Pain Indicates a Serious Problem

Most cases of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow improve with conservative treatment. However, you should seek medical attention if your pain is severe or doesn't improve after several weeks of rest.

If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness that spreads beyond your elbow and forearm, this could indicate nerve involvement. Sudden, sharp pain following an injury might suggest a tendon tear rather than simple inflammation.

Fever, redness, or swelling around the elbow could signal an infection requiring immediate medical care.

What Causes Tennis Elbow vs. Golf Elbow?

Repetitive Motion and Overuse

Both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow develop from repetitive stress on the elbow tendons. When you perform the same motion over and over, tiny tears develop in the tendon tissue.

Your body usually repairs these small tears during rest periods. However, when the repetitive motion continues without adequate recovery time, the damage accumulates faster than your body can heal it.

This leads to chronic inflammation, pain, and weakening of the affected tendons.

Occupational Risk Factors

Certain professions carry a higher risk for developing these conditions. Carpenters, plumbers, painters, and butchers frequently develop tennis elbow from their work activities.

Construction workers, mechanics, and assembly line workers who perform repetitive gripping or hammering motions are more prone to golfer's elbow. Computer workers who type extensively can develop either condition depending on their posture and keyboard setup.

People who work in these high-risk occupations should take regular breaks and use proper ergonomics to reduce their risk.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Tennis, squash, and racquetball players are at risk for tennis elbow, especially if they use improper technique or equipment. However, the condition can also develop from swimming, gardening, or even knitting.

Golfers, baseball pitchers, and bowlers commonly develop golfer's elbow. Weightlifters who use improper form or lift too much weight too quickly also face increased risk.

Even recreational activities done in moderation can cause problems if you don't use proper technique or warm up adequately.

Tennis Elbow Treatment vs Golfer's Elbow Treatment

Conservative Treatment Options

The good news is that both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow usually respond well to conservative treatment! Rest is the first and most important step in recovery.

You'll need to avoid or modify the activities that triggered your condition. Ice packs applied for 15-20 minutes several times daily can reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy exercises help strengthen the affected tendons and improve flexibility. A brace or strap worn just below the elbow can reduce stress on the damaged tendons during daily activities.

Pain Management Strategies

Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage discomfort during the healing process. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce both pain and inflammation.

Topical pain relievers applied directly to the affected area provide localized relief without the systemic effects of oral medications. Some people find that alternating heat and ice therapy helps reduce pain and promote healing.

Gentle stretching exercises performed several times daily can prevent stiffness and maintain range of motion. However, you should stop any exercise that increases your pain.

When to Consider Medical Intervention

If your symptoms don't improve after 6-12 months of conservative treatment, your doctor might recommend corticosteroid injections. These can provide temporary relief but aren't a long-term solution.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections represent a newer treatment option that may promote healing. In severe cases that don't respond to other treatments, surgery to remove damaged tissue or repair the tendon might be necessary.

Most people recover fully with conservative treatment alone, but recovery can take several months to a year.

Tennis Elbow vs. Golf Elbow?: Get Relief with MedsRUs

Don't let elbow pain interfere with your daily activities and quality of life. Whether you're dealing with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, managing your pain effectively is an important part of the recovery process.

MedsRUs offers convenient online access to pain relief medications that can help you manage discomfort while your elbow heals. Our simple online assessment process connects you with qualified clinicians who can recommend appropriate treatment options.

Visit MedsRUs today to explore pain management solutions and take the first step toward recovery from your elbow condition.