Key Takeaways
- Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two different overuse injuries that affect opposite sides of the elbow.
- Pain location, movement patterns, and daily activity impact help distinguish between the two conditions.
- Both conditions commonly affect athletes and individuals with repetitive arm use, not just golfers or tennis players.
- Accurate diagnosis by an elbow specialist is essential to avoid prolonged pain and functional loss.
- Dr. Michael Rytel is an experienced elbow doctor providing personalized treatment for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow in Pittsburgh, PA. Schedule an appointment for expert evaluation and care.
Understanding Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common causes of elbow pain, but they involve different tendons and affect different areas of the joint. Both conditions are forms of tendinitis or tendon degeneration caused by repetitive stress on the forearm muscles.
Despite their names, these conditions affect far more people than just athletes. Office workers, tradespeople, and anyone performing repetitive gripping or lifting motions can develop elbow pain over time.
Understanding the difference between tennis elbow vs golfer’s elbow is the first step toward getting the right treatment.
Difference #1: Location of Pain
Pain location is the most obvious and reliable difference between these two conditions.
- Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside (medial side) of the elbow.
This difference reflects which forearm tendons are affected and helps specialists narrow down the diagnosis quickly.
Difference #2: Tendons and Muscles Involved
Each condition affects a different muscle group:
- Tennis elbow involves the wrist extensor tendons, which help lift and straighten the wrist.
- Golfer’s elbow affects the wrist flexor tendons, which control gripping and wrist bending.
Because these muscles perform different actions, symptoms may worsen with different movements.
Difference #3: Common Causes and Risk Factors
Both conditions are typically caused by overuse rather than a single traumatic injury.
Tennis Elbow Causes
- Repetitive gripping or wrist extension
- Racquet sports
- Manual labor involving tools
- Repetitive typing or mouse use
Golfer’s Elbow Causes
- Repetitive wrist flexion
- Golf swings
- Throwing sports
- Weightlifting
Over time, repetitive stress leads to microtears in the tendons, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Difference #4: Impact on Daily Activities
Elbow pain can interfere with everyday tasks, but the triggers differ slightly.
- Tennis elbow pain may worsen when lifting objects, turning door handles, or shaking hands.
- Golfer’s elbow symptoms often increase with gripping, carrying groceries, or lifting weights.
Both conditions can significantly limit work performance and quality of life if left untreated.
Difference #5: Effect on Sports Performance
Athletes often notice elbow pain before daily activities become difficult.
- Tennis elbow commonly affects tennis players, baseball players, and swimmers.
- Golfer’s elbow is more common in golfers, pitchers, and weightlifters.
Reduced grip strength, pain during swings or throws, and loss of endurance are common signs that professional evaluation is needed.
Difference #6: Diagnostic Evaluation by an Elbow Specialist
Accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. An elbow specialist uses:
- A detailed medical history
- Physical examination and movement testing
- Imaging studies when necessary to rule out other conditions
Correctly identifying whether pain originates from the inner or outer elbow ensures that treatment targets the correct tendon structures.
Difference #7: Tailored Treatment Approaches
Treatment plans are customized based on the specific diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and patient activity level.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Early-stage tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are often treated with:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Bracing or supportive devices
- Anti-inflammatory care
- Orthobiologic injections when appropriate
Surgical Treatment When Necessary
If conservative care does not provide relief, surgical treatment may be recommended to repair damaged tendons and restore elbow function. Surgical options are considered carefully and only when symptoms persist.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Location | Outside of elbow | Inside of elbow |
| Tendons Affected | Wrist extensors | Wrist flexors |
| Common Motions | Lifting, wrist extension | Gripping, wrist flexion |
| Sports Risk | Tennis, baseball, swimming | Golf, pitching, weightlifting |
Return to Daily Activities and Sports Without Elbow Pain
Elbow pain should never be ignored, especially when it interferes with daily activities or athletic performance. Understanding the differences between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow allows for faster diagnosis and more effective treatment.
If elbow pain persists, Dr. Michael Rytel provides expert evaluation and advanced care tailored to each condition. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Michael Rytel today to receive personalized treatment for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow from a trusted elbow doctor in Pittsburgh, PA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
The primary difference is pain location—tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inside.
Can you have tennis elbow without playing tennis?
Yes. Many people develop tennis elbow from repetitive work activities or daily tasks.
What are common golfer’s elbow symptoms?
Symptoms include pain on the inner elbow, weakness with gripping, and discomfort during lifting or throwing.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery time varies depending on severity and treatment type, but early care often leads to faster improvement.
When should I see an elbow doctor near me?
If elbow pain lasts more than a few weeks or worsens with activity, evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is recommended.
