Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries that affect the tendons in the forearm, but they involve different areas and causes. Here are the main differences between tennis elbow and golf elbow:

Location of pain:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain occurs on the outside of the elbow. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow, usually the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain occurs on the inside of the elbow. It is caused by inflammation of the tendons on the inside of the elbow, typically the flexor carpi radialis tendon.

Affected tendons:

• Tennis Elbow: Includes the tendons responsible for extending the wrist.
• Golfer’s Elbow: Affects the tendons responsible for wrist flexion.

Sports or related activities:

• Tennis Elbow: Often associated with activities that involve repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting, such as playing tennis, hence the name. However, it can also result from other activities or occupations.
• Golfer’s Elbow: Commonly associated with golf, specifically the motion of gripping and swinging the golf club. It can also occur with other repetitive gripping or throwing activities.

Symptoms:

• Tennis elbow: Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, decreased grip strength, and difficulty with certain movements, such as shaking hands or turning a crank.
• Golfer’s elbow: Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, often worsened by gripping or squeezing objects, and weakness in the hands and wrists.

Treatment:

• Tennis elbow: Treatment may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes a brace. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.
• Golfer’s Elbow: Similar treatment options, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may also be considered.

It’s important to note that despite their names, you don’t have to play tennis or golf to develop these conditions. Both can occur during various activities or occupations that involve repetitive movements of the arms and wrists. If you experience persistent pain or discomfort in your elbow, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

To consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, call our helpline number +91 9830117733.

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Disclaimer:

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.