Tennis elbow vs golfer's elbow: the difference and what helps
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are both tendon problems at the elbow, and despite their names, most people who get them don't play tennis or golf. Here's how to tell them apart and what helps.
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
The main difference is the side of the elbow. Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) causes pain on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons that extend your wrist and fingers attach. Golfer's elbow (medial elbow tendinopathy) causes pain on the inside, where the tendons that bend your wrist and fingers attach.
Tennis elbow is more common. A population study of adults aged 30 to 64 found tennis elbow in 1.3% and golfer's elbow in 0.4%, most often between 45 and 54, with repetitive and forceful arm activities, smoking and obesity linked to both (Shiri et al., American Journal of Epidemiology, 2006).
What does tennis elbow feel like?
Pain on the outside of the elbow, sometimes spreading into the forearm, that's worse gripping, lifting with your palm facing down, turning a door handle, shaking hands, using a mouse, or carrying shopping bags. The bony point on the outside of the elbow is usually tender.
What does golfer's elbow feel like?
Pain on the inside of the elbow, worse with gripping, bending the wrist, lifting with the palm facing up, curls and pull-ups, and throwing. Because the ulnar nerve runs close to the inside of the elbow, tingling in the ring and little fingers can occasionally appear alongside it, and should be assessed.
What causes tennis and golfer's elbow?
Both are usually caused by more gripping and forearm work than the tendons are currently ready for. Common triggers are manual work and trades, gardening and landscaping, a new or more intense gym program, climbing, grappling sports such as BJJ, and long hours with a mouse and keyboard. Racquet sports and golf can trigger them too, especially with a sudden increase in play.
What is the best treatment for tennis and golfer's elbow?
Progressive tendon loading, with changes to the activities that aggravate it. For tennis elbow, a trial found a program of hands-on treatment and exercise did better than wait-and-see in the first six weeks and gave better long-term results than a corticosteroid injection; by one year, most people improved either way (Bisset et al., BMJ, 2006). There's less research on golfer's elbow, but the same principles are generally applied.
Should I have a cortisone injection?
For tennis elbow, the evidence suggests caution. A large trial found a corticosteroid injection led to worse outcomes and much more recurrence at one year than a placebo injection: 54% of people had a recurrence after the steroid compared with 12% after placebo (Coombes et al., JAMA, 2013).
What exercises help tennis and golfer's elbow?
Early on, static holds, such as holding a light dumbbell with your wrist in a neutral position, can ease pain. Then progress to slow wrist curls (palm up for golfer's elbow) or reverse wrist curls (palm down for tennis elbow), forearm rotation with a hammer, and grip strengthening, before returning to heavier lifting, sport or work tasks. Strength in the shoulder and upper back also helps share the load.
How long do tennis and golfer's elbow take to heal?
Both tend to improve slowly. Many people notice meaningful improvement over six to twelve weeks of consistent loading, and some take longer. Recovery is quicker when the aggravating activity is modified early rather than pushed through.
Do elbow straps help tennis or golfer's elbow?
A counterforce strap, worn a few centimetres below the painful area, can ease pain during gripping tasks for some people. It's useful during work or sport while you build strength, but it isn't a replacement for a loading program.
Can an osteopath help tennis or golfer's elbow?
Yes. We confirm which tendon is involved and rule out other causes, such as nerve irritation or referred pain from the neck. Treatment combines a progressive tendon-loading program, hands-on treatment and sometimes dry needling to ease pain, and practical changes to your work, gym or sport so the tendon can recover.
Can you have tennis elbow and golfer's elbow at the same time?
Yes, although it's less common. Some people with heavy gripping work or training develop pain on both sides of the same elbow. The same principles apply: modify the aggravating activity and progressively load both groups of forearm tendons.
When should elbow pain be checked?
Book in if your elbow pain isn't improving after a few weeks or is affecting your work or training. See a doctor promptly for a sudden pop with bruising after a heavy lift, swelling with redness and heat, or numbness and weakness in your hand.
If your elbow pain started in the gym, see elbow pain from lifting, or our elbow and wrist pain guide. Book an assessment at our Berwick clinic. A 60-minute initial consultation is $149, with no referral needed and HICAPS on-site.
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Book an initial consultation at RISE Sports & Spinal in Berwick. Clear diagnosis, hands-on treatment, and a plan that actually gets you better.
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