Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: Understanding the Difference

A sharp, persistent pain that travels from the elbow down into the forearm can make even simple activities uncomfortable. This type of discomfort is often linked to two well-known overuse conditions: Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow.

Despite what their names suggest, these conditions are not limited to athletes. Many people who develop them have never played tennis or golf. Instead, they are commonly seen in individuals whose daily work involves repetitive hand and wrist movements. Painters, carpenters, office workers, mechanics, and even home cooks can experience these issues.

The main distinction between the two conditions lies in where the pain occurs around the elbow. One affects the outer side of the joint, while the other develops on the inner side. Understanding how these conditions develop can help individuals identify the problem early and take steps toward recovery.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow affects the outer portion of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons responsible for lifting the wrist upward become irritated or damaged.

These muscles are used frequently during everyday activities such as:

• Typing on a keyboard
• Holding objects like mugs or tools
• Lifting items with the palm facing down
• Repetitive gripping motions

When these movements are performed repeatedly without adequate rest, the tendons can become inflamed, resulting in pain along the outside of the elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow, on the other hand, affects the inner side of the elbow. This condition involves the tendons responsible for bending the wrist downward and rotating the forearm.

When these movements are repeated frequently, the inner elbow tendons may become irritated and painful.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Although both conditions involve tendon irritation, the symptoms and their locations differ slightly.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

People with tennis elbow often notice the following signs:

1. Pain Location
Tenderness or discomfort on the outer part of the elbow, especially near the bony area.

2. Weak Grip Strength
Tasks like shaking hands, lifting a cup, or turning a doorknob may trigger pain.

3. Morning Stiffness
The elbow may feel tight or stiff after waking up.

4. Pain Spreading Down the Arm
The discomfort may travel down the back of the forearm toward the wrist.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow produces symptoms on the inner side of the elbow and may include:

1. Pain on the Inner Elbow
Tenderness around the bony area on the inside of the elbow joint.

2. Grip Weakness
Holding or squeezing objects may feel more difficult than usual.

3. Tingling or Numbness
Since the ulnar nerve runs close to this area, some people may feel tingling sensations in the ring and little fingers.

4. Pain During Wrist Flexion
Bending the wrist toward the palm against resistance may trigger discomfort.

These Injuries Aren’t Just for Athletes

Many people believe these conditions only affect sports players, but that is not true. In reality, both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are classified as Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).

Any activity that involves repeating the same wrist or forearm motion frequently can lead to tendon strain.

Common examples include:

1. Office Workers

Continuous typing, mouse clicking, and improper wrist positioning can strain the outer elbow tendons.

2. Tradespeople

Carpenters, mechanics, and plumbers often perform twisting motions that put stress on the inner elbow.

3. Artists and Designers

Long hours of drawing, sculpting, or painting can lead to repetitive forearm stress.

3. Kitchen Enthusiasts

Chefs and home cooks who chop ingredients frequently or lift heavy cookware may develop forearm tendon irritation.

Treatment: Healing the Elbow

The encouraging news is that most people recover without surgery. However, tendons take longer to heal than muscles because they receive less blood circulation. Recovery therefore requires patience and proper care.

Step 1: Reduce Inflammation

The first step in recovery focuses on calming the irritated tendons.

1. Rest

Resting the affected arm is essential. Continuing the repetitive activity that caused the injury can worsen the damage and delay healing.

2. Ice Therapy

Applying ice packs to the elbow for around 15 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.

3. Supportive Bracing

Wearing a counterforce strap just below the elbow can relieve pressure on the injured tendon, allowing it to recover while still performing light activities.

Step 2: Gradual Strengthening

Once the intense pain begins to improve, strengthening exercises become important to rebuild tendon resilience.

1. Eccentric Strengthening Exercises

These exercises involve slowly lengthening a muscle while it is under tension. For example, lowering a lightweight slowly after lifting it.

This method has proven highly effective in helping tendons recover from overuse injuries.

2. Gentle Stretching

Stretching the forearm muscles helps restore flexibility and reduces stiffness. Simple wrist stretches performed regularly can help improve mobility.

Preventing Future Elbow Problems

Once someone experiences elbow tendon pain, preventing a recurrence becomes important. Small adjustments to daily habits can significantly reduce strain on the elbow.

Improve Ergonomics

People who work at desks should ensure their wrists remain in a neutral position while typing or using a mouse.

Adjust workstation height

Use ergonomic keyboards

Avoid bending wrists upward or downward

Use Proper Lifting Techniques

When carrying objects such as groceries or equipment, try to distribute the load across larger muscle groups like the shoulders rather than relying heavily on wrist strength.

Warm Up Before Physical Activity

Just as athletes prepare their muscles before exercise, individuals performing manual work should warm up their wrists and forearms.

Simple warm-up movements include:

• Wrist circles
• Gentle forearm stretches
• Light gripping exercises

These movements increase blood flow and reduce the risk of injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

The main difference is the location of the pain. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side.

2. Can non-athletes develop tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?

Yes, these conditions often occur due to repetitive motions such as typing, painting, cooking, or using tools. Many people with these injuries are not athletes.

3. What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive strain on the tendons that control wrist extension, often due to gripping or lifting activities.

4. What causes golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow develops when the tendons responsible for wrist flexion become irritated due to repetitive motions such as gripping, twisting, or lifting.

5. How can elbow tendon injuries be prevented?

Improving ergonomics, taking regular breaks, stretching forearm muscles, and avoiding repetitive strain can help reduce the risk of elbow tendon injuries.

For regular health tips & updates, visit Ayushakti’s Social Media Pages: 

• Facebook – Ayushakti Ayurved | Facebook
• Instagram – Ayushakti Ayurved (@ayushakti)
• Pinterest – ayushaktiayurveda

Get all the updates about Ayushakti Ayurved on WhatsApp directly. Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel

Ayushakti's mission is to help people in every way possible. Our Ayurvedic experts are available to give you a consultation either over the phone or through a video consultation. We recommend customised diets, home remedies, and detox therapies to help you recover from health problems. Book your consultation now!

If you would like to know the location or visit one of our centres, please click here: https://www.ayushakti.com/pages/ayushakti-centers

For more information, write to us at info@ayushakti.com or call our toll-free numbers: 18002663001 (India) and +18002800906 (Global). 

Blog Author: Dr. Hemang Parekh

Expert Review: Dr Smita Pankaj Naram 

Co-Founder, Ayushakti Ayurved Pvt Ltd

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. Please consult an Ayurvedic practitioner before trying or consuming any medicines, home remedies or treatments mentioned in this blog. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.