By Fox Valley Orthopedics
Two common overuse injuries of the forearms are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, which have similar causes but are distinct conditions. Tennis Elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain in the outer part of the elbow, and Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inside of the elbow. Despite their names, neither condition is exclusive to tennis or golfers, respectively, although they are common among athletes who play those sports. Tennis players can get a Golfer’s Elbow and vice versa – just as the opposite is true – which is not uncommon.
Do I have Tennis Elbow?
Tennis players and other athletes who play racquet sports are highly susceptible to Tennis Elbow simply because they swing their racquets repeatedly to hit balls across the court. The repetitive arm, elbow, and wrist work resulting from the constant hitting and swinging motions and repeated contractions of the forearm muscles used to straighten and raise the hand and wrist damages these muscles and tendons and causes overuse injury. The result is degeneration and tears, causing pain, tenderness, and elbow joint weakness.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow may include:
- Pain: Mild elbow pain that intensifies to a burning pain in days or weeks following the incident that caused the injury (if you know the cause)
- Weakness: You may notice you have difficulty gripping objects, shaking hands with others, or turning doorknobs, among other things
- Stiffness: The affected arm may feel not only weak but stiff and sore when you extend it or try to bend your arm
You may have Tennis Elbow if you have a profession that requires repetitive upper-extremity motions, such as a plumber, painter, musician, carpenter, assembly-line worker, line cook, or something similar.
Do I have Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow is not only something that affects golfers, but anyone who participates in athletics requires repetitive gripping motions like throwing or swinging. Other athletes who are susceptible to it include baseball pitchers, rock climbers, weightlifters, and javelin throwers. However, with tennis elbow, the golfer’s elbow is not exclusive to athletes. People whose work involves grip strength may also be prone to developing overuse injuries like golfer’s elbow,
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow may take weeks or months to develop, but you may notice the following signs or symptoms:
- Pain: Your forearm or wrist will ache, especially while trying to make a fist, and usually, pain is worse in the morning
- Weakness: Your grip strength will be adversely affected in the arm that is injured
You may be afflicted with Golfer’s Elbow if you lift loaded food trays, hammer nails, or type at a keyboard daily. Repeated wrist and arm use to bend, grasp, or twist things can lead to golfer’s elbow, as the tendons develop tiny tears that cause its symptoms.
Recovery time for Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow can take 6 months to two years. If symptoms continue to get worse over time, consult an orthopedic specialist.
