Elbow pain can be caused by many different factors, but two of the most common types of elbow pain are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. These 2 conditions are both caused by overuse of a tendon that is usually degenerate and in poor health. However because they effect different muscles there are some differences, let’s investigate further.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of overuse or repetitive strain injury that affects the tendons and muscles on the outside of the elbow. It is called tennis elbow because it is a common injury among tennis players. It can also affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions with their wrist and arm. According to statistics, tennis elbow accounts for up to 50% of all elbow pain cases.
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of repetitive strain injury that affects the tendons and muscles on the inside of the elbow. It is called golfer’s elbow because it is a common injury among golfers, in America is often referred to as pitcher’s elbow, but, it can also affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions with their wrist and arm. Golfer’s elbow is much less common accounting for about 10% of all elbow pain cases.
So, what are the symptoms of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, and how are they different?
Tennis elbow usually causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, whereas a golfer’s elbow usually causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. Both are worse when you use your forearm and wrist. With both tennis and golfer’s elbow, you commonly experience weakness in your grip and have difficulty making a fist and using your forearm and wrist. Tennis elbow effects the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers, while golfers elbow effects the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers.
Treatment
As we are treating the same type of problem, the treatment for tennis and golfer’s elbow is very similar. Aiming to initially reduce the load and settle the acute pain before working towards regaining health within the tendon with carefully managed loading exercises.
However, because tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow affect different muscles and tendons, the specific stretching and loading exercises differ slightly. I have online programs available for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, where I guide you through a carefully designed program where I share with you everything you need to settle your pain down quickly and build a strong tendon to ensure this problem does not reoccur again in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two different types of elbow pain that can be caused by tendons that are unhealthy being overloaded. Tennis elbow affects the tendons and muscles on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the tendons and muscles on the inside of the elbow. Although the symptoms and treatment are similar they differ slightly due to the problems effecting different tendons and muscles.
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, remember, early intervention and treatment can help prevent further damage and promote a faster recovery. Have a look at my tennis elbow or golfers elbow online courses start today and be pain free in no time, there are FREE chapters to get you started just go to the course content. For top tips to settle down your pain have a look at my blogs on tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
I hope you found this blog helpful. If you know someone who may benefit from this information, please share it with them. Take action today and you could have a pain free elbow in no time at all.
Take care, Helen
Helen Manders BSc (Hons) MCSP HCPC
