The two most common types of elbow injuries that can occur from overuse are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Although they share some similarities, there are also key differences between the two conditions. Here’s a look at what causes each type of injury and how they can be treated. 

What is Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause pain around the outside of the elbow. It’s usually caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm, which can lead to inflammation or micro-tears. 

While tennis elbow is often associated with tennis players, it can affect anyone who repetitively uses their forearm muscles. Carpenters, plumbers, painters, butchers, and cooks are also at risk of tennis elbow. 

Symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain or tenderness around the outside of the elbow
• Weakness in your forearm muscles
• Pain during or after activities using the wrist
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling
• A dull ache when resting
• Difficulty extending your arm fully

If you have these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor. He can rule out other conditions such as arthritis, bursitis, or nerve entrapment. 

Treatment for tennis elbow includes rest, ice, elbow brace, and physical therapy. In severe cases, you may need surgery to release the tension on the affected muscles and tendons. 

You may have heard of tennis elbow, but what is golfer's elbow? Golfer's elbow is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm. It can cause pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. 

Golfer's elbow is most common in golf players. But it can also occur in other athletes who use repetitive motions of the forearm, such as tennis players and baseball pitchers. Non-athletes can also get golfer's elbow from activities such as painting or using a screwdriver.

Golfer's elbow is usually treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, elbow supports and physical therapy may be recommended. Surgery is rarely needed. 

If you have golfer's elbow, make sure to take breaks during activities that aggravate your symptoms. You should also stretch and strengthen the muscles in your forearm to help prevent the condition from recurring.

Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:

• Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
• Pain when making a fist
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Numbness or tingling
• Pain that worsens with certain movements like swinging a golf club. 

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two very common injuries. They are both overuse injuries that occur when the muscles and tendons around the elbow are strained. The main difference between the two is the location of the pain. Tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow occurs on the inside.

Other differences that will help you tell them apart include:

• Tendon Affected

Tennis elbow affects the lateral epicondyle tendon. It’s the bump on the outer side of the elbow and is attached to the muscles that allow you to stretch your wrist backward and spread your fingers. 

Golfers elbow affects the medial epicondyle tendon. It’s connected to the muscles you use to grip something or flex your wrist. 

• Symptoms

Tennis elbow is painful on the outside of your elbow, while golfer’s elbow can be experienced near the inside of your elbow and down your arm.

Both conditions can be treated with a combination of rest, ice, elbow brace, and physical therapy. If you think you may be suffering from either condition, be sure to see a doctor or physical therapist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Disclaimer: Although the information is gathered with great care, please note that the tips given on this website by no means substitute medical advice. If you're experiencing pain, consult your healthcare professional immediately and follow his advice regardless of what you've learned on this website.