Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: What’s the Difference?

If you’ve been experiencing discomfort or pain in your elbow, there’s a chance it could be tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Both conditions affect this part of the arm. However, there are some important differences, and knowing which is at the root of your pain, is key to getting the right treatment. 

So, how can you tell if you have golf elbow or tennis elbow, and what are your treatment options?

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. Despite the name, this condition isn’t always caused by playing golf! However, it does affect the part of your elbow where your forearm muscles join the inner bone, and these are also the primary muscles used when swinging a golf club. 

Other causes of golfer’s elbow can be related to any repetitive movement of the hand, wrist, and forearm, so this condition is common in manual labour workers, too. 

If you think you might have golfer’s elbow, keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

-Tenderness on the inside of your elbow, which might radiate down your forearm. You may find it worsens with certain motions (like swinging a golf club).

-Stiffness that makes it difficult to make a fist.

-Feelings of weakness in your hand and wrist.

-A tingling sensation or numbness that extends into your ring finger and little finger.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) often presents with very similar symptoms to golfer’s elbow — the difference is where the pain sensation is felt. With tennis elbow, you tend to experience pain on the outer side of your elbow and forearm, rather than the inner part.

One of the most common causes of tennis elbow is, as you might expect, playing tennis. The repeated motion of swinging a tennis racquet, especially during backhand swings, can lead to inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons around your elbow. 

But just like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow doesn’t only affect athletes, and this is a condition that may affect people who regularly do weightlifting and manual handling.

Tennis elbow can lead to:

-Pain and tenderness on the outside of your elbow, which can spread down your forearm and may worsen when you perform tasks that involve rotating your forearm or extending your wrist.

-Difficulty lifting or gripping objects.

-Stiffness that makes extending your arm tricky and uncomfortable.

-Mild swelling around your elbow.

How to diagnose golfer’s and tennis elbow

Understanding the symptoms should help you have a clearer idea of whether your pain could be linked to golfers’ elbow or tennis elbow, but how can you have a confirmed diagnosis?

Our Sports Medicine Specialist will be able to carry out a few tests to confirm whether you have golfer’s or tennis elbow and then work out the best treatment plan for you. 

These tests usually include:

-A physical examination, which might involve Cozen’s test — this is where the doctor asks you to extend your wrist against resistance. The aim of this test is to pinpoint the precise source of pain.

–Ultrasound scans to identify small tendon tears and inflammation. In some cases, you may also be referred for an MRI scan that can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. 

What treatments are available for golfer’s and tennis elbow?

Treatment options for golfer’s and tennis elbow tend to be very similar as both conditions affect the tendons around your elbow. 

The main goal of treating these issues is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. However, we also want to make sure any treatment plans help restore your arm’s flexibility and strength. With this in mind, the first step should always be to rest the affected arm and avoid the activities that caused the problem in the first place. 

You can also try wearing a forearm brace to provide support and take paracetamol to reduce any pain. A hot or cold pack can also offer some relief — hold it to the affected area for up to 20 minutes every couple of hours.

Non-surgical treatments for golf and tennis elbow

Our Sports Medicine Specialist may recommend a couple of different tennis or golfer’s elbow treatments, including:

-Corticosteroid injections to quickly reduce inflammation.

–Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections — This treatment is performed by concentrating platelets from your own blood and injecting them into the affected area, stimulating your body’s natural healing process. This process aims to reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair in the damaged tendons and muscles of the elbow.

Physical therapy for golfer’s and tennis elbow

Physical Rehabilitation is another treatment route that is essential for helping you rebuild strength. It usually includes a programme of tailored stretching and strengthening exercises that are often focused on the wrist and forearm. Our rehabilitation specialist, Ciaran Keen, will also treat the affected area to help you restore flexibility and full function.

Surgery for golfer’s and tennis elbow

Doctors will always try non-surgical treatment options first. If the pain you are experiencing pain is particularly severe and other treatments are not working, our Sports Medicine Specialist may decide that surgery is the best option for you. 

If surgery is necessary, it will be a minimally invasive procedure designed to repair damaged tendons.

How can golf and tennis players reduce the risk of elbow injuries?

Although both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can be caused by various repetitive movements, there’s no denying that sports players are at higher risk of developing these conditions. If you’re a keen golfer or tennis player, the good news is that you can incorporate a few simple steps into your games to reduce the likelihood of elbow discomfort.

1. Make sure you warm up and cool down properly: Take time to warm up before playing so your muscles are ready and, after playing, make sure you take some time to do some stretching.
   
2. Strengthen your muscles: Outside of your games, consider some strengthening exercises to build up your forearm muscles. You could try light weights or squeezing a tennis ball to gradually prepare your muscles for times of stress during a golf round or tennis game.
3. Practice correct techniques: Form can make a big difference to both your game success and your elbow health. Making sure your body is in the right position for any swings will avoid putting too much strain on certain muscles. It can be helpful to get some coaching to ensure you feel confident in your techniques. 
4. Make sure you have the right equipment: Hefty golf clubs or a tennis racquet that’s too big can exert stress on your forearms and elbows. Opt for lightweight alternatives and make sure they’re appropriate for your height and strength.
   
5. Avoid overuse: It’s important to know when to rest. Tennis and golfer’s elbow issues occur through overuse and repetition, so aim to have rests between sets. This will give you a chance to stretch and let your muscles and tendons have a break. If you notice any discomfort, rest is even more essential.

Effective golfer’s and tennis elbow treatment at The Clinica

At The Clinica, we have a team of experienced healthcare professionals available to offer effective sports injury treatments. We understand that golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow can be frustrating conditions, potentially impacting your day-to-day life and preventing you from enjoying your favourite sports and activities, and we are proud to offer you a solution to that discomfort.

Please do contact us to arrange an initial consultation with our Specialist in Sports Medicine. We provide a range of treatment options to reduce pain and restore mobility so you can get back to your game.