Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside.
- Both conditions result from repetitive strain on the forearm tendons, and neither requires you to actually play tennis or golf to develop them.
- Rest, physical therapy, and activity modification resolve most cases without surgery.
- Persistent pain lasting more than a few weeks is a sign it's time to see a specialist rather than waiting it out.
- Dr. Srinath Kamineni provides precise, patient-friendly diagnosis and treatment of elbow conditions for patients in Mount Carmel and Olney, IL. Request an appointment if elbow pain isn't improving on its own.
Two Conditions, One Root Cause: Overuse
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are both forms of tendinopathy — overuse injuries that develop when the tendons connecting forearm muscles to the elbow become irritated and, over time, degenerated from repetitive strain. The names come from the activities most classically associated with each condition, but the truth is that most people who develop these conditions have never picked up a racket or a golf club.
Tennis Elbow: Pain on the Outside of the Elbow
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. It develops from repetitive strain of the forearm extensor muscles — the muscles that help you straighten your wrist and fingers.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive gripping or wrist-extension motions
- Manual labor such as painting, carpentry, or plumbing
- Racket sports
- Frequent computer use or typing
Typical symptoms:
- A dull ache on the outer elbow that can extend down the forearm
- Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or shaking hands
- Weakness in the grip
Golfer's Elbow: Pain on the Inside of the Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inner part of the elbow and is caused by repetitive gripping or wrist-flexion movements. Unlike tennis elbow, golfer's elbow can actually be caused by golf, particularly when a golf swing places excess strain on the forearm.
Common causes include:
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Improper weightlifting technique
- Sudden, forceful wrist-flexion movements
- Throwing sports
Typical symptoms:
- Pain on the inner elbow that can radiate into the forearm and wrist
- Discomfort with gripping, lifting, or turning the forearm
- Occasional tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers, if a nearby nerve is affected
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow at a Glance
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golfer's Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical name | Lateral epicondylitis | Medial epicondylitis |
| Location of pain | Outer elbow | Inner elbow |
| Affected tendons | Forearm extensors | Forearm flexors |
| Common triggers | Gripping, wrist extension, repetitive computer use | Gripping, lifting, wrist flexion |
| First-line treatment | Rest, ice, physical therapy | Rest, ice, physical therapy |
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam, where tenderness at a specific point on the elbow — combined with pain during certain wrist and forearm movements — often points to one condition or the other. Imaging is occasionally used to rule out other causes of elbow pain.
Most cases improve with a conservative approach, including:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice to reduce inflammation
- A structured physical therapy program of stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises
- Bracing or a counterforce strap to offload the tendon
- In some cases, injections to reduce pain and inflammation
When symptoms persist despite months of conservative treatment, elbow arthroscopy or other surgical options may be considered.
Schedule an Elbow Evaluation
If elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, or if it's interfering with your grip strength and daily activities, it's worth getting an accurate diagnosis rather than guessing at the cause.
Request an appointment with Dr. Kamineni to determine whether you're dealing with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow and to start a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play tennis or golf to get tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
No. Both conditions are caused by repetitive strain on the forearm tendons and commonly occur in people who have never played either sport, including office workers, tradespeople, and musicians.
How long does it take for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow to heal?
Many cases improve over a period of weeks to a few months with consistent rest, activity modification, and physical therapy, though healing can take longer for more chronic cases.
Is surgery ever needed for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
Surgery is rarely necessary and is generally only considered after several months of conservative treatment fail to relieve symptoms.
How can I tell if I have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow near me without seeing a specialist?
While the location of pain — outer versus inner elbow — is a helpful clue, an accurate diagnosis from an orthopaedic specialist is the best way to confirm the condition and rule out other causes of elbow pain.
