What is the Difference Between Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow?

Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are both conditions involving pain in the forearm and elbow, but they have different causes and affect different areas of the elbow. Here are the main differences between the two:

1. Location of inflammation: Golfer's elbow is characterized by inflammation on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle), while tennis elbow involves inflammation on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).
2. Affected tendon: Golfer's elbow affects the inside tendon connected to the muscles used for flexing the wrist, while tennis elbow impacts the outside tendon attached to the muscles that stretch the wrist.
3. Causes: Both conditions are caused by repetitive arm and wrist motions, but golfing movements are more likely to cause pain in the medial epicondyle (inner elbow), while tennis motions are more likely to cause symptoms in the lateral epicondyle (outer elbow). However, you don't have to be a golfer or tennis player to develop these conditions; they can also occur due to repetitive motions in other activities.

Both golfer's elbow and tennis elbow fall under the category of epicondylitis, which is the inflammation of tendons that attach to the elbow. Common symptoms of golfer's elbow include pain on the inside of the elbow when lifting the wrist or hand, pain when twisting the forearm, or when making a fist. Common symptoms of tennis elbow include pain when straightening the fingers and pain around the lateral epicondyle. Treatment for both conditions often involves physical therapy, elbow straps, and pain relief medication.

Comparative Table: Golfer’s Elbow vs Tennis Elbow

The main difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow lies in the location of the inflammation and the affected tendon. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences:

Both conditions are forms of elbow tendonitis, resulting from repetitive strain in the elbow and involves the wearing down of different tendons. They can be caused by various activities that use the elbow excessively, such as repetitive wrist movements or even leisurely hobbies like knitting or playing an instrument.