Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference?
Pain around the elbow can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Simple tasks such as opening a jar, lifting a kettle, shaking hands, or carrying grocery bags may become painful.
Two of the most common causes of elbow pain are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow.
Despite their names, most patients have never played tennis or golf. These conditions commonly affect office workers, manual laborers, homemakers, gym enthusiasts, carpenters, painters, plumbers, and anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles.
Although they sound similar, they affect different tendons and cause pain in different parts of the elbow.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golfer's Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Name | Lateral Epicondylitis | Medial Epicondylitis |
| Pain Location | Outside of the elbow | Inside of the elbow |
| Affected Tendons | Wrist extensor tendons | Wrist flexor tendons |
| Common Movements That Hurt | Lifting, gripping, turning | Gripping, wrist bending, throwing |
| More Common? | Yes | Less common |
Understanding the Elbow
Several muscles of the forearm attach to small bony prominences around the elbow.
Repeated stress can lead to tiny tendon injuries, resulting in pain and reduced strength.
The location of the affected tendon determines whether the condition is called Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow.
It develops when the wrist extensor tendons become irritated or degenerate due to repetitive use.
Common Causes
- Repetitive lifting
- Computer mouse use
- Gardening
- Painting
- Plumbing
- Carpentry
- Racquet sports
- Gym workouts
- Using screwdrivers or hand tools
Symptoms
Patients often notice:
- Pain over the outer elbow
- Pain while shaking hands
- Difficulty opening jars
- Pain while lifting objects
- Weak grip strength
- Pain while turning a doorknob
- Discomfort when pouring from a kettle
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer's elbow affects the inner side of the elbow.
The wrist flexor tendons become irritated after repetitive bending and gripping activities.
Common Causes
- Golf
- Cricket
- Throwing sports
- Weight lifting
- Heavy manual work
- Repetitive gripping
- Hammering
- Farming
- Carrying heavy loads
Symptoms
Patients commonly experience:
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain while gripping objects
- Tenderness over the inner elbow
- Pain while lifting
- Difficulty carrying heavy objects
- Wrist weakness
- Occasionally tingling into the ring and little fingers
Where Does It Hurt?
Front View
Arm
Outside Inside
│ │
▼ ▼
Tennis Elbow Golfer's Elbow
One simple way to remember:
- Outside = Tennis Elbow
- Inside = Golfer's Elbow
Risk Factors
You are more likely to develop either condition if you:
- Perform repetitive arm movements
- Lift heavy objects frequently
- Use vibrating tools
- Play racquet sports
- Perform repetitive computer work
- Have poor lifting technique
- Suddenly increase exercise intensity
How Doctors Diagnose These Conditions
Diagnosis is usually based on:
Medical History
Your doctor will ask:
- Where is the pain?
- When did it begin?
- What activities make it worse?
- Is there any previous injury?
Physical Examination
The examination includes:
- Checking tenderness
- Assessing grip strength
- Wrist movement testing
- Resistance tests
- Elbow range of motion
Imaging
Imaging is not always required.
However, your doctor may recommend:
| Investigation | Purpose |
|---|---|
| X-ray | Rule out arthritis or fracture |
| Ultrasound | Evaluate tendon damage |
| MRI | Chronic pain or uncertain diagnosis |
Treatment Options
The majority of patients improve without surgery.
Activity Modification
Reducing repetitive strain is often the first step.
This may include:
- Changing work techniques
- Avoiding repetitive lifting
- Taking regular breaks
- Improving sports technique
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy focuses on:
- Stretching
- Strengthening
- Improving flexibility
- Correcting movement patterns
- Gradual return to activity
Medications
Your doctor may recommend:
- Pain-relieving medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines
- Ice application during painful episodes
Elbow Braces
Counterforce braces may reduce stress on the affected tendon during certain activities.
They should be used under professional guidance rather than as a permanent solution.
Injection Therapy
In selected patients who continue to have significant symptoms despite conservative treatment, injection therapy may be considered.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss whether this option is appropriate based on your condition.
Simple Home Exercises
Exercises should be performed gently and only after appropriate evaluation.
Wrist Extensor Stretch
- Keep the elbow straight.
- Bend the wrist downward using the opposite hand.
- Hold for 20–30 seconds.
Wrist Flexor Stretch
- Straighten the elbow.
- Pull the fingers backward gently.
- Hold for 20–30 seconds.
Grip Strengthening
Using a soft therapy ball:
- Squeeze gently.
- Hold for five seconds.
- Repeat several times.
Wrist Strengthening
Begin with light resistance and gradually increase as advised by your physiotherapist.
Exercise Tip
Mild stretching discomfort is acceptable, but exercises should not cause sharp or worsening pain.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Fortunately, surgery is rarely required.
It may be considered if:
- Symptoms persist despite prolonged conservative treatment
- Daily activities remain significantly affected
- Tendon degeneration is severe
- Other causes of elbow pain have been excluded
Most patients recover without surgical intervention.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these common errors:
- Continuing painful activities without modification
- Returning to sports too early
- Ignoring symptoms for several months
- Lifting heavy weights despite ongoing pain
- Skipping physiotherapy
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tennis elbow occur if I have never played tennis?
Yes.
Most patients with tennis elbow do not play tennis. Repetitive work-related activities are a much more common cause.
Which condition is more common?
Tennis elbow is generally more common than golfer's elbow.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients improve over several weeks to a few months with appropriate treatment, although recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and adherence to rehabilitation.
Should I stop exercising completely?
Not necessarily.
Your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend modifying activities rather than complete rest, depending on your symptoms.
Can both conditions occur together?
Although uncommon, it is possible for both the inner and outer tendons of the elbow to be affected, particularly in people performing repetitive heavy work.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Surgeon?
Seek medical evaluation if:
- Elbow pain lasts longer than six weeks
- Pain interferes with work or sports
- Grip strength becomes weak
- Pain worsens despite rest
- You experience numbness or tingling
- Swelling or deformity develops after an injury
Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and prevents long-term tendon damage.
Key Takeaways
The location of the pain is the biggest clue.
| Tennis Elbow | Golfer's Elbow |
|---|---|
| Pain on the outside of the elbow | Pain on the inside of the elbow |
| Usually affects wrist extensor tendons | Usually affects wrist flexor tendons |
| Commonly caused by repetitive gripping and lifting | Often related to repetitive wrist bending and gripping |
| Most patients improve without surgery | Most patients improve without surgery |
Accurate diagnosis is important because other conditions—including arthritis, nerve compression, and ligament injuries—can also cause elbow pain.
Book an Appointment
Persistent elbow pain should not be ignored, especially if it affects your work, hobbies, or daily routine.
At Spica Hospitals, we provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, sports injuries, tendon disorders, arthritis, fractures, and other upper limb conditions. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore strength, and help you return to your normal activities as safely and quickly as possible.