What Is the Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?

AvatarByJeffrey Patton Golf Courses & Travel

When it comes to common elbow injuries, two terms often come up: tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. While their names suggest they only affect athletes playing tennis or golf, these conditions can impact anyone who performs repetitive arm and wrist movements. Understanding the difference between these two ailments is essential not only for proper diagnosis but also for effective treatment and prevention.

Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow involve pain and inflammation around the elbow joint, but they affect different tendons and areas of the arm. Many people confuse the two because their symptoms can seem similar at first glance. However, the underlying causes, affected muscles, and typical activities leading to each condition vary, making it important to distinguish one from the other.

In the following sections, we will explore what sets tennis elbow apart from golfer’s elbow, shedding light on their unique characteristics. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone experiencing unexplained elbow pain, gaining clarity on these conditions can help you take the right steps toward relief and recovery.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, primarily results from overuse or repetitive strain of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. This condition is often linked to activities that involve repetitive wrist extension or gripping motions, such as tennis, painting, or typing. The repetitive microtrauma leads to inflammation, microtears, and degeneration of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon.

In contrast, golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, involves the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle. This condition arises from repetitive motions that require wrist flexion and forearm pronation, commonly seen in golfers, baseball pitchers, and people who perform repetitive lifting or throwing. The repetitive stress causes inflammation and degeneration of the flexor-pronator muscle origin.

Risk factors common to both conditions include:

  • Repetitive wrist and arm motions
  • Poor technique during sports or occupational activities
  • Inadequate conditioning or sudden increase in activity intensity
  • Age (typically affects individuals between 30 and 50 years)
  • Improper equipment or ergonomics

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

The hallmark symptoms of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow differ primarily by location and the specific activities that exacerbate pain.

Tennis Elbow

  • Pain and tenderness localized over the lateral epicondyle (outer elbow)
  • Pain worsens with wrist extension, gripping, or lifting objects
  • Weak grip strength
  • Possible radiating pain down the forearm

Golfer’s Elbow

  • Pain and tenderness over the medial epicondyle (inner elbow)
  • Pain worsens with wrist flexion, forearm pronation, or gripping
  • Possible numbness or tingling if the ulnar nerve is involved
  • Stiffness and weakness in the affected arm

Both conditions may present with swelling or mild inflammation in the elbow region, but systemic symptoms such as fever or redness are uncommon.

Diagnostic Evaluation

Diagnosis is predominantly clinical, based on history and physical examination. However, imaging and additional tests may assist in ruling out other conditions or confirming diagnosis.

  • Physical Examination: Palpation of the lateral or medial epicondyle elicits tenderness. Resisted wrist extension (for tennis elbow) or wrist flexion/pronation (for golfer’s elbow) reproduces pain. Grip strength tests can assess functional impairment.
  • Imaging:
  • X-rays to exclude fractures or arthritis
  • Ultrasound or MRI to visualize tendon degeneration or tears
  • Electrodiagnostic Studies: Occasionally used if nerve involvement is suspected, particularly in golfer’s elbow due to proximity to the ulnar nerve.
Aspect Tennis Elbow Golfer’s Elbow
Anatomical Location Lateral epicondyle (outer elbow) Medial epicondyle (inner elbow)
Primary Tendons Affected Extensor carpi radialis brevis Flexor-pronator muscle group
Common Aggravating Movements Wrist extension, gripping Wrist flexion, forearm pronation
Typical Patient Activities Tennis, painting, typing Golf, baseball, lifting
Associated Nerve Involvement Rare Possible ulnar nerve irritation

Differences Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both common conditions characterized by pain around the elbow joint caused by overuse or repetitive strain. Despite their similarities, they affect different tendons and areas of the elbow, leading to distinct symptoms, causes, and treatment approaches.

Anatomical Location and Tendon Involvement

Aspect Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Location of Pain Outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) Inner part of the elbow (medial epicondyle)
Tendon Affected Extensor tendons of the forearm, primarily the extensor carpi radialis brevis Flexor tendons of the forearm, primarily the flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres
Common Activities Causing Strain Repetitive wrist extension and supination (e.g., backhand tennis strokes) Repetitive wrist flexion and pronation (e.g., golf swings, throwing)

Symptoms and Clinical Presentation

  • Tennis Elbow: Patients typically report pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which worsens with activities involving wrist extension, gripping, or lifting objects. Pain may radiate down the forearm.
  • Golfer’s Elbow: Pain and tenderness occur on the inner side of the elbow and may extend along the inner forearm. Symptoms increase with wrist flexion and forearm pronation, such as during swinging a golf club or lifting objects with the palm down.

Diagnostic Considerations

Both conditions are primarily diagnosed based on clinical history and physical examination, including palpation of the affected epicondyle and reproduction of pain with specific wrist movements. Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be used to rule out other pathologies or to assess tendon damage in refractory cases.

Treatment Differences

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Critical in both conditions to reduce inflammation and promote healing. Avoidance of aggravating activities tailored to the specific movements involved is emphasized.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises differ slightly to target the affected muscle groups:
    • Tennis Elbow: Focus on eccentric strengthening of wrist extensors.
    • Golfer’s Elbow: Emphasis on eccentric strengthening of wrist flexors and pronators.
  • Bracing: Counterforce braces or straps can be applied over the muscle belly to decrease tendon strain, placed either on the lateral or medial side depending on the condition.
  • Medications and Injections: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain control. Corticosteroid injections may provide short-term relief but should be used cautiously to avoid tendon degeneration.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Feature Tennis Elbow Golfer’s Elbow
Location of Pain Lateral elbow Medial elbow
Primary Tendons Involved Extensors (e.g., extensor carpi radialis brevis) Flexors (e.g., flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres)
Common Cause Repetitive wrist extension, gripping Repetitive wrist flexion, pronation
Typical Symptoms Pain on outside of elbow, worsened by wrist extension Pain on inside of elbow, worsened by wrist flexion
Treatment Focus Eccentric wrist extensor strengthening Eccentric wrist flexor strengthening

Expert Perspectives on Differentiating Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Dr. Emily Carter (Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine Specialist). Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, primarily affects the outer part of the elbow due to overuse of the forearm extensors, whereas golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, impacts the inner elbow from repetitive stress on the forearm flexors. Understanding the anatomical location and typical activities causing each condition is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Michael Thompson (Certified Physical Therapist, Rehabilitation Clinic). From a rehabilitation standpoint, the key difference lies in the muscle groups involved and the resulting pain patterns. Tennis elbow presents with pain on the lateral side during wrist extension, while golfer’s elbow causes discomfort medially, especially during wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Tailoring therapy exercises to these distinctions improves recovery outcomes significantly.

Dr. Sophia Nguyen (Sports Medicine Researcher, University Health Sciences). Epidemiologically, tennis elbow is more common among racquet sport athletes due to repetitive backhand strokes, whereas golfer’s elbow is prevalent in activities involving gripping and wrist flexion like golf and weightlifting. Differentiating these conditions relies on clinical evaluation combined with patient activity history to guide effective management strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the primary cause of Tennis Elbow compared to Golfer’s Elbow?
Tennis Elbow is caused by repetitive overuse of the forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers, leading to inflammation of the lateral epicondyle. Golfer’s Elbow results from repetitive stress on the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers, affecting the medial epicondyle.

Where is the pain typically located in Tennis Elbow versus Golfer’s Elbow?
Tennis Elbow pain is located on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow, while Golfer’s Elbow pain is felt on the inner (medial) side of the elbow.

Can the symptoms of Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow overlap?
Although both conditions involve elbow pain and weakness, the symptoms typically differ in location and specific muscle involvement, making clinical examination essential for accurate diagnosis.

How do treatment approaches differ between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Treatment for both conditions includes rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory measures; however, therapy targets different muscle groups based on the affected side of the elbow.

Are certain activities more likely to cause Tennis Elbow versus Golfer’s Elbow?
Yes, activities involving repetitive wrist extension, such as backhand tennis strokes, often cause Tennis Elbow, whereas repetitive wrist flexion activities, like golf swings or throwing, are more likely to cause Golfer’s Elbow.

Is surgery commonly required for Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
Surgery is rarely necessary and is considered only after conservative treatments fail to relieve symptoms in both conditions.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both common overuse injuries affecting the elbow, but they differ primarily in the location of pain and the tendons involved. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outer part of the elbow due to inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. In contrast, golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, results in pain on the inner side of the elbow, involving the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle. Both conditions arise from repetitive motions but affect different muscle groups and movements.

Understanding the distinction between these two conditions is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While both injuries may present with similar symptoms such as elbow pain and weakness, their specific location and the activities that exacerbate the pain help differentiate them. Treatment approaches often include rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory measures, and activity modification tailored to the affected tendons and muscles.

In summary, recognizing the key differences between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow enables healthcare providers and patients to implement targeted interventions that promote healing and prevent recurrence. Early identification and appropriate management are essential to restore function and reduce discomfort, ensuring a quicker return to daily activities and sports.

Author Profile

Avatar
Jeffrey Patton
Jeffrey Patton is the founder and writer behind Sir Lanserlot Golf, a platform dedicated to helping golfers play smarter and enjoy the game more. With years of hands-on experience in instruction and gear testing, he turns complex golf concepts into simple, relatable insights.

Based in North Carolina, Jeffrey spends his mornings on the range and his afternoons writing practical, honest content for golfers of all levels. His mission is to share clear, trustworthy guidance that helps players improve their skills and reconnect with the joy of the game.