Golfer's Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow — What's the Difference?
Table of Contents
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are the diagnoses people with elbow pain hear most often. Because of their names, they are often mistaken for sports-only conditions, but in reality they can occur in anyone who performs repetitive arm motions — housework, office work, factory work, and more.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
This condition involves micro-damage and inflammation in the tendon of the wrist extensors (the muscles that bend the wrist upward) where they attach to the lateral epicondyle on the outer side of the elbow.
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain when gripping or lifting objects (turning a doorknob, opening a bottle cap)
- Pain worsens when bending the wrist upward
- Pain may also be felt during a handshake
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis)
This condition affects the tendon of the wrist flexors (the muscles that bend the wrist downward) where they attach to the medial epicondyle on the inner side of the elbow.
- Pain on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain when gripping forcefully or twisting the wrist inward
- Pain on the inner side worsens when making a tight fist
- May be accompanied by tingling on the little-finger side (ulnar nerve irritation)
Key differences at a glance
- Location — tennis elbow is on the outside, golfer's elbow on the inside
- Aggravating motion — tennis elbow when bending the wrist upward, golfer's elbow when bending the wrist downward
- Frequency — tennis elbow is about 5–10 times more common
Common treatment principles
Because both conditions are essentially driven by tendon degeneration, it is important to reduce overuse and to choose treatments that promote tendon recovery. Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture improve blood flow and stimulate tissue regeneration, while elbow braces and stretching are also helpful. Most cases improve within 3–6 months, but if left untreated they can become chronic, so early treatment is recommended.