Tennis Elbow VS Golf Elbow. Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Tennis elbow and golf elbow are two common musculoskeletal conditions that affect the forearm and elbow area. Understanding the differences and similarities between the two can help individuals recognize the specific condition they may be experiencing and seek appropriate treatment.

In this article, we will explore the anatomy, causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and management of tennis elbow and golf elbow.

Tennis Elbow:

1. Tennis elbow, often referred to as lateral epicondylitis in medicine, is a typical ailment marked by inflammation of the tendons on the exterior of the elbow.
2. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect individuals involved in various activities beyond tennis. 
3. It typically occurs due to repetitive motion and overuse of the forearm muscles responsible for extending the wrist and fingers.
4. This condition often manifests as pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. 
5. Weakness in gripping and difficulty with activities that involve wrist extension are common symptoms.
6. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate treatment methods for tennis elbow is crucial for effective management and recovery.

Golf Elbow:

1. Golf elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
2. Although its name suggests a connection to golf, this condition can affect individuals engaged in various activities involving repetitive gripping and wrist flexion. 
3. Golf elbow typically results from overuse and repetitive strain on the forearm muscles responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers. Symptoms often include pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. 
4. Weakness in gripping and difficulty with activities involving wrist flexion are common manifestations.
5. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate treatment methods for golf elbow is essential for effective management and recovery.

Anatomy and Affected Area:

Tennis Elbow:

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, involves the inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. 

• These tendons are responsible for anchoring the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers. 
• The primary affected area is the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow.

Golf Elbow:

Golf elbow, medically referred to as medial epicondylitis occurs due to the inflammation of tendons on the inner side of the elbow. 

• These tendons are responsible for anchoring the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers. 
• The primary affected area is the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Tennis Elbow:

Tennis elbow is commonly caused by repetitive activities that strain the forearm muscles, particularly the extensor tendons. 

• Overuse, improper technique, and poor equipment are common contributing factors. 
• Risk factors include playing tennis, other racquet sports, and jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive gripping and wrist movements.

Golf Elbow:

Golf elbow is typically caused by repetitive activities that strain the forearm muscles responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers. 

• The repetitive motion, forceful gripping, and incorrect swing technique in golf can contribute to this condition. 
• Risk factors include playing golf, other sports involving swinging motions, and jobs or hobbies involving repetitive gripping and wrist flexion.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

Tennis Elbow:

Symptoms of tennis elbow often include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. 

• Weakness in gripping and difficulty in performing activities that involve wrist extension is common. 
• The diagnosis is usually made based on physical examination, medical history, and sometimes imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans.

Golf Elbow:

Golf elbow is characterized by pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. 

• Weakness in gripping and difficulty with activities involving wrist flexion are typical symptoms. 
• Similar to tennis elbow, diagnosis is usually based on physical examination, and medical history, and is occasionally supported by imaging tests.

Treatment and Management:

Tennis Elbow:

Conservative treatment options for tennis elbow include rest, avoiding repetitive activities, and applying ice or heat to the affected area. 

• Physical therapy exercises help strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. 
• For pain management, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may be suggested. 
• In some cases, corticosteroid injections are administered to alleviate inflammation. 

Golf Elbow:

Treatment for golf elbow is also initially conservative and involves rest, modification of activities, and the use of ice or heat packs. 

• Physical therapy exercises are beneficial for strengthening and stretching the forearm muscles. 
• NSAIDs can provide pain relief. In some cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be used to accelerate healing. 
• Surgery is considered for severe or chronic cases.

What purpose does surgery have?

1. Surgery serves a vital purpose in modern medicine. Its primary objective is to diagnose, treat, and manage various medical conditions through invasive interventions.
2. By carefully cutting into the body, surgeons can repair injured tissues, remove diseased organs, or correct anatomical abnormalities. 
3. Surgical procedures can be life-saving, offering immediate relief from critical conditions such as trauma, cancer, or organ failure. Surgery also plays a crucial role in improving quality of life, alleviating pain, and restoring function.
4. It enables the advancement of medical knowledge and innovation through research and training. Ultimately, surgery serves the purpose of promoting health, extending lifespans, and enhancing overall well-being.

Should any tests be performed to confirm epicondylitis?

When diagnosing epicondylitis, certain tests can be performed to confirm the condition. While a thorough medical history and physical examination are typically sufficient, tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to rule out other potential causes of elbow pain or to assess the extent of tissue damage. 

X-rays help identify fractures or arthritis, while ultrasounds and MRIs provide detailed images of soft tissues, aiding in the detection of tendon inflammation or tears.

Although not always necessary, these tests can provide valuable information for accurate diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment strategies for individuals with suspected or confirmed epicondylitis.

Most usually result in tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow:

Activities that result in Tennis Elbow:

• Racquet Sports: Frequent and forceful use of a racquet, such as in tennis, squash, or badminton, can strain the tendons in the elbow.
• Manual Labor: Repetitive movements in jobs like plumbing, painting, or carpentry can put a strain on the tendons and result in tennis elbow.
• Computer Use: Prolonged typing or using a mouse without proper ergonomics can contribute to the development of tennis elbow.

Activities that result in Golf Elbow:

• Golfing: The repetitive swinging motion involved in golfing can strain the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
• Weightlifting: Excessive gripping and lifting heavy weights can put stress on the tendons, leading to a golfer’s elbow.
• Throwing Sports: Sports that involve repetitive throwing motions, such as baseball or javelin, can contribute to the development of a golfer’s elbow.

The likelihood of acquiring a Tennis elbow and a golfer’s elbow:

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common overuse injuries that affect the tendons in the elbow. While they are named after specific sports, these conditions can occur in individuals engaged in various activities or occupations.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):

Tennis elbow can affect people who participate in racquet sports, but it can also occur due to other repetitive movements. The likelihood of acquiring a tennis elbow is influenced by factors such as:

• Frequency and Intensity: Regularly engaging in activities that involve repetitive wrist and forearm motions, such as gripping a racquet or using tools, increases the risk.
• Improper Technique: Incorrect form or improper equipment use can strain the tendons and contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
• Age and Gender: Individuals between 30 and 50 years of age, as well as males, have a higher likelihood of experiencing tennis elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):

Golfer’s elbow can occur in golfers, but it is not limited to this sport. Factors that influence the likelihood of acquiring a golfer’s elbow include:

• Repetitive Movements: Activities that involve repeated wrist flexion or gripping actions, such as golfing, weightlifting, or throwing sports, increase the risk.
• Improper Technique: Incorrect swinging or lifting techniques can strain the tendons and lead to a golfer’s elbow.
• Age and Gender: Golfer’s elbow commonly affects individuals between 40 and 60 years of age, and it is slightly more prevalent in males.

Conclusion:

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two distinct conditions that can affect individuals engaged in various activities beyond their namesakes.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, involves inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inner side. 

Both conditions result from repetitive motions and overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to pain, tenderness, and difficulty with certain activities. Age, gender, and technique play a role in the likelihood of developing these conditions.

Proper diagnosis, understanding of the causes, and appropriate treatment methods are crucial for effective management and recovery. 

By identifying the specific condition and implementing targeted therapies, individuals can alleviate symptoms and return to their desired activities