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

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two of the most common overuse injuries affecting the forearm and elbow. Despite their names, both conditions can occur in anyone who performs repetitive arm, wrist or gripping movements, not just athletes.

Although they share a similar mechanism of gradual tendon overload, these conditions affect different sides of the elbow and therefore present in different locations. Symptoms often develop slowly and may initially feel manageable, which can delay recognition until pain starts to affect everyday activities such as carrying objects, typing or even holding a cup.

Key Takeaways

• Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow
• Both conditions are caused by repetitive tendon overload from gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist movements
• Tennis elbow is commonly linked to wrist extension, while golfer’s elbow is associated with wrist flexion and forearm rotation
• Most cases improve with activity modification, rehabilitation, and non-surgical treatment
• Persistent pain, weakness, or reduced grip strength may require specialist orthopaedic assessment

What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common overuse tendon injuries that affect different sides of the elbow. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons attached to the outer elbow, while golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons attached to the inner elbow.

Both conditions are recognised as common upper limb sports injuries, particularly in activities involving repetitive gripping, lifting, throwing, or wrist movements. However, they can also affect office workers, gym-goers, and people performing repetitive manual tasks.

Symptoms usually develop gradually over time due to repeated tendon overload rather than from a single injury. Without appropriate rest or treatment, persistent strain may lead to ongoing pain, weakness, and reduced arm function.

What Are the Differences Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?

Although both conditions involve tendon overload around the elbow, the location of pain and the movements that trigger symptoms are often different.

People with tennis elbow commonly experience pain while shaking hands, lifting objects, gripping tools, or turning door handles. The discomfort may extend down the forearm and gradually worsen with repetitive activity.

Golfer’s elbow more commonly causes pain along the inner elbow, sometimes extending into the forearm or wrist. Symptoms may worsen during lifting, gripping, throwing, or repetitive wrist bending movements.

How Are These Elbow Conditions Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is usually based on physical examination and review of symptoms. A specialist may assess pain location, grip strength, elbow movement, and symptoms during resisted wrist movements to help distinguish between the two conditions.

In some cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to assess tendon damage or rule out other causes of elbow pain.

What Treatment Options Are Available for These Elbow Conditions?

Treatment for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow focuses on reducing tendon overload, improving healing, and restoring function. Most cases improve with non-surgical treatment.

• Activity Modification and Load Management

  Reducing or modifying aggravating activities is often the first step in recovery. This may involve reducing repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements that continue to strain the affected tendon.

  Small adjustments to sports technique, training volume, workstation setup, or lifting mechanics may also help reduce ongoing stress on the elbow.

• Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Exercises

  Physiotherapy plays an important role in recovery. Progressive strengthening and stretching exercises help improve tendon capacity, reduce overload, and restore forearm function.

  Rehabilitation may also address movement patterns or biomechanical factors contributing to repetitive strain.

• Bracing and Symptom Support

  Counterforce braces or elbow straps may sometimes help reduce stress on the tendon during activity. While these supports do not treat the underlying condition, they may provide temporary symptom relief during recovery.

• Medication and Injection Therapy

  Short-term anti-inflammatory medication may help reduce pain during flare-ups.

  For more persistent cases, injection therapy may sometimes be considered. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may also be discussed in selected patients when symptoms do not improve with standard conservative treatment.

• Surgical Treatment for Persistent Cases

  Elbow surgery is rarely required but may be considered when symptoms continue for several months despite structured rehabilitation and significantly affect function.

  Depending on the condition, surgery may involve removing damaged tendon tissue and repairing or reattaching healthy tendons.