What is the Difference Between Medial and Lateral Epicondylitis?

Medial and lateral epicondylitis are both painful conditions that affect the elbow, specifically the bony bumps on either side of the elbow joint known as epicondyles. These conditions are caused by repetitive stress and microscopic tears in the tendons that stabilize the elbow joint. The main differences between medial and lateral epicondylitis are:

• Location: Medial epicondylitis produces pain in the inner part of the elbow, while lateral epicondylitis produces pain in the outer elbow.
• Symptoms: The most prominent symptom of either form of epicondylitis is pain in the elbow or forearm. In medial epicondylitis, the pain is focused on the inner side of the elbow, while in lateral epicondylitis, the pain is on the outer side.
• Common Names: Medial epicondylitis is often referred to as "golfer's elbow," while lateral epicondylitis is commonly known as "tennis elbow".
• Affected Tendons: Medial epicondylitis affects the origin of the wrist flexor muscles, while lateral epicondylitis affects the origin of the wrist extensor muscles.

Both conditions can be treated with conservative, non-surgical treatments, such as rest, ice, physical therapy, and in some cases, the use of braces or splints to provide support and reduce strain on the affected area.

Comparative Table: Medial vs Lateral Epicondylitis

Medial and lateral epicondylitis are both painful conditions that affect the elbows, specifically the inner (medial) and outer (lateral) parts of the elbow. They are caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. Here is a table highlighting the differences between medial and lateral epicondylitis:

Both conditions are caused by repetitive stress from sports or physical activity, such as golf, tennis, baseball, and throwing sports. They share similarities in symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment methods. However, the key difference lies in the location of the pain and the specific movements that cause pain in each condition.