Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow
Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow are two distinct conditions that affect the elbow and forearm. While they have similar names and both result from overuse of the arm, they involve different tendons and occur on opposite sides of the elbow.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow. Despite its name, it can affect individuals who don't play tennis. It occurs due to overuse and repetitive movements of the forearm, particularly when the extensor tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (a bony bump on the outer side of the elbow) become irritated or damaged.
Common causes of Tennis Elbow include playing racquet
sports, excessive computer use, painting, carpentry, or any other activities
involving repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, weakened grip strength, and pain exacerbated by activities that stress the affected tendons.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Golfer's Elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. Like Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow can affect anyone, not just golfers. It results from repetitive use of the flexor tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (a bony bump on the inner side of the elbow).
Activities such as golf, throwing sports, weightlifting, and repetitive gripping motions can lead to Golfer's Elbow.
Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, weakness in gripping, and pain worsened by activities involving wrist flexion and forearm rotation.
- Rest
and avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms.
- Applying
ice to reduce inflammation.
- NSAIDs
for pain relief and inflammation reduction.
- Hand therapy to stretch and strengthen forearm muscles.
- Wearing
a brace or forearm strap to alleviate strain on the affected tendons.
- Corticosteroid
injections if inflammation is severe and not responding to conservative
treatment.
- Surgery
may be considered in rare cases where other treatments have failed.
In both conditions, early diagnosis and appropriate
treatment are essential for a successful recovery and to prevent chronic
issues. If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, it is advisable to seek
medical evaluation from a Hand Therapist or orthopedic specialist
familiar with these conditions.
