Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both overuse problems involving tendons. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side. Each can be linked to repeated gripping, lifting, wrist movement or sports. You do not need to play tennis or golf to develop either condition. The location of the pain and the movements that trigger it are the main differences.
Both conditions affect the tendons that connect forearm muscles to the elbow. They can cause discomfort during everyday activities, such as carrying shopping bags, turning a handle or lifting objects. Although their symptoms overlap, the location of the affected tendon and the movements that place stress on it help distinguish them. Understanding these differences can help explain what a healthcare professional may look for during an evaluation.
How do tennis elbow and golfer's elbow differ?
| Feature | Tennis elbow | Golfer's elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical name | Lateral epicondylitis, also called lateral elbow tendinopathy | Medial epicondylitis, also called medial elbow tendinopathy |
| Main pain location | Outer side of the elbow | Inner side of the elbow |
| Tendons involved | Primarily the tendons of muscles that straighten the wrist and fingers | Primarily the tendons of muscles that bend the wrist and help turn the forearm |
| Common aggravating movements | Gripping, lifting with the palm facing down, and extending the wrist | Gripping, bending the wrist, twisting the forearm, and some throwing movements |
| Possible effects on daily activities | Discomfort when shaking hands, turning a doorknob or holding a cup | Discomfort when gripping tools, making a fist or performing repetitive wrist movements |
What causes tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the tendons attached to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. These tendons help the forearm muscles straighten and lift the wrist. Repeated loading can cause changes and damage in the tendon, leading to pain and reduced function. The Mayo Clinic's information on tennis elbow explains that repeated arm and wrist movements are common contributors, although the cause is not always clear.
Activities that repeatedly load these tendons may include playing racket sports, painting, using plumbing tools, driving screws and performing certain food-preparation tasks. Frequent computer mouse use can also be associated with symptoms. Tennis technique and equipment may contribute in some players, but the condition can develop without playing any sport.
What causes golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow affects tendons attached to the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. These tendons help the forearm muscles bend the wrist and turn the forearm. Repetitive movements or excessive loading can lead to tendon damage and pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' guide to golfer's elbow, the condition can develop during golfing, throwing, tennis, weightlifting and everyday activities that repeatedly strain the arm.
For example, repeatedly swinging a golf club, using hand tools or performing forceful gripping movements may contribute to symptoms. Poor technique or unsuitable equipment can also be relevant in sports. However, there does not always have to be a clear injury or a single activity responsible for the problem.
How do the symptoms compare?
The most noticeable difference is where discomfort is felt. Tennis elbow generally produces pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, whereas golfer's elbow affects the inside. In either condition, the discomfort may extend into the forearm, and grip strength may feel reduced when pain interferes with normal muscle use.
- Tennis elbow: Pain near the outer elbow that may increase with gripping, lifting a cup, shaking hands or straightening the wrist against resistance.
- Golfer's elbow: Pain or a burning sensation near the inner elbow that may increase with gripping, bending the wrist or turning the forearm.
- Symptoms that can overlap: Forearm discomfort, tenderness around the elbow, reduced grip strength and difficulty completing usual tasks.
The Cleveland Clinic's guide to golfer's elbow also describes possible numbness or tingling in the hand. These sensations may occur when the nearby ulnar nerve is irritated. New or persistent tingling, numbness or weakness deserves medical assessment because these symptoms can have causes other than tendon problems.
Can someone develop tennis elbow without playing tennis?
Yes. Tennis elbow is named after a sport commonly associated with the condition, but it can affect people who have never played tennis. Repeated movements at work, during household tasks or while using tools can place stress on the tendons on the outer side of the elbow.
The same principle applies to golfer's elbow. A person does not need to play golf to develop it. Repetitive wrist movements, forceful gripping and certain work or exercise activities can affect the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. The name describes the condition rather than identifying its only possible cause.
How do healthcare professionals tell them apart?
Evaluation usually begins with questions about when the pain started, where it occurs, which activities make it worse and whether an injury preceded the symptoms. A healthcare professional may examine the elbow and forearm, press around the relevant tendon attachments and ask the person to move the wrist, fingers and elbow. Gentle resistance may be applied during certain movements to assess pain and function.
According to the Mayo Clinic's guidance on tennis elbow diagnosis, the medical history and physical examination are often sufficient to evaluate typical cases. Imaging is not always necessary, but an X-ray, ultrasound or another test may be considered when the findings suggest a different cause or further assessment is needed.
For suspected golfer's elbow, the Mayo Clinic's golfer's elbow diagnosis and treatment guide describes a similar approach, with attention to pain, stiffness, weakness and the movements that reproduce symptoms. An X-ray may help rule out problems such as a fracture or arthritis, while ultrasound or MRI may be considered in selected cases.
Location provides a useful clue, but it is not the only consideration. Other problems, including nerve irritation, joint conditions and injuries, can also cause elbow pain. When symptoms do not follow the expected pattern, the evaluation may need to consider these alternatives.
Is treatment different for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Initial care often follows similar principles because both conditions involve overuse-related tendon problems. Management depends on the symptoms, their effect on daily activities and the findings of the clinical examination.
Common approaches may include:
- Adjusting aggravating activities: Temporarily reducing movements that provoke pain can help limit repeated strain. This does not necessarily mean stopping all arm movement.
- Short periods of cold application: A wrapped cold pack may help ease discomfort. Avoid applying ice directly to the skin.
- Physiotherapy: A physical therapist can recommend suitable flexibility and strengthening exercises and help with a gradual return to usual activities.
- Support or bracing: A forearm strap or other support may help some people, depending on the condition and the advice of their healthcare professional.
- Further treatment: If symptoms persist despite appropriate nonsurgical care, a clinician may discuss additional options based on the specific problem and individual circumstances.
Exercise selection and progression matter because the tendons affected by the two conditions perform different functions. A rehabilitation plan may therefore be adjusted to the location of the problem, the person's activities and their response to exercise. Returning to repetitive or forceful movements too quickly may aggravate symptoms.
When should elbow pain be medically evaluated?
Arrange a medical evaluation if elbow pain persists despite reducing aggravating activities, becomes worse, limits normal daily tasks or repeatedly returns. Assessment is also appropriate when the cause is unclear or when pain occurs with tingling, numbness or weakness in the hand.
Seek prompt medical care after a significant injury, particularly if the elbow looks deformed, swelling develops rapidly or moving the arm becomes very difficult. These features may indicate a problem other than routine overuse-related tendon pain.
The main distinction remains straightforward: tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the inside. Both can arise from repeated movements unrelated to their namesake sports, and both may interfere with gripping and everyday tasks. A healthcare professional can use the location of symptoms, the movement history and an examination to determine what may be causing the discomfort and guide appropriate care.