Do I Have Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow? What’s the Difference?

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a tennis player or a golfer to suffer from elbow pain. This is an injury that can happen to anyone at any time. Repetitive motion opens the door to elbow pain, and the location of the pain around the elbow is what will determine whether it is actually “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow.”

The Definition & Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is diagnosed when your pain is felt on the outside of the elbow, and is caused by repetitive motion (like hitting a tennis ball over and over). Tendons of the forearm will eventually become damaged, causing pain each time you move it. This condition appears more frequently as people get older, or who work as painters, carpenters, mechanics or plumbers. Participating in certain sports can also increase your chances of developing tennis elbow, including an activity where you repeatedly throw something: baseball, bowling or football. We have even seen cases where gardening caused this painful condition!

Feeling pain in your arm when you are trying to lift or grip an object is the most symptom of tennis elbow. This is sometimes accompanied by pain when shaking hands with someone, attempting to push open a heavy door or even difficulty when raising your hand to wave. Some patients may also notice a tenderness when they touch the outside of their elbow, or try to do anything that requires them to put stress on their forearm.

A doctor or orthopedic professional will perform a thorough exam before diagnosing you with tennis elbow. Their exam may include:

• Flexing your arm and wrist to ensure no damage is done there
• Moving your arm at the elbow joint to locate the pain
• Imaging (X-ray, MRI, etc.)

The Definition & Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, unlike tennis elbow, usually affects the inside of the elbow. Many people develop this condition by using their wrists or fingers frequently to flex and rotate their arm or doing something that requires a lot of swinging motions. People who work at a computer for hours at a time are also susceptible to golfer’s elbow, as well as those who practice archery, fencing or weight lifting. Construction workers may get golfer’s elbow from swinging a hammer, as do people who work on assembly lines and repeat the same motions day after day.

Except for the location, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are very close conditions and are often confused by medical professionals. They are also diagnosed in the same way, with a full exam and potentially imaging to narrow in on the exact cause of the pain.

How are These Conditions Treated?

Treatment for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow usually begins with rest and pain management medications. Physical therapy may also be a consideration if the damage is severe enough. Wearing a brace on your elbow can help relieve pain and stress, but if your pain continues after a certain period of time (usually 6 to 12 months), surgery may be recommended by your doctor.

During surgery for tennis or golfer’s elbow, the damaged tissue will be removed and healthy muscle will be connected. Generally, this is an outpatient surgical procedure followed by physical therapy. You can expect to feel like new after a period of about 6 months post-surgery.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119