Tennis Elbow Vs Golfer's Elbow

As a GP with an interest in musculoskeletal medicine and pain management, I often encounter patients seeking relief from elbow pain caused by repetitive strain injuries. Two of the most common conditions I come across are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow. In this blog post, I'll try to shed light on the key differences between these two common conditions.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis Elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons attached to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, it can occur in people who don't play tennis at all. Repetitive activities involving gripping, lifting, or twisting movements of the wrist and forearm can lead to overuse and inflammation of the extensor tendons.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow include:

- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow

- Weak grip strength

- Pain exacerbated when performing activities involving wrist extension

- Gradual onset of symptoms

Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer's Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons attached to the inner part of the elbow. Again, the name might be misleading, as this condition is not exclusive to golfers but can arise from activities involving repetitive wrist flexion and gripping such as weightlifting or even excessive computer use.

Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow include:

- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow

- Weakness in gripping objects

- Pain worsens when flexing the wrist or during activities that involve gripping

- Gradual onset of symptoms

Differentiating Tennis Elbow from Golfer's Elbow

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow typically involves a thorough clinical examination and taking into account the patient's medical history and activity patterns. While both conditions present with elbow pain, they affect different sets of tendons, leading to distinct pain locations.

For Tennis Elbow, the pain is felt on the outer aspect of the elbow, while Golfer's Elbow causes pain on the inner side. Palpation of the affected tendons and assessing the patient's response to resisted wrist movements can help confirm the diagnosis.

The Role of Joint Injections

In managing both Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow, a multimodal approach is usually adopted, including rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, joint injections. As a GP trained in joint injections, I often recommend this treatment option for patients who do not respond well to conservative therapies.

Corticosteroid injections are commonly used to alleviate inflammation and provide short-term pain relief. By precisely administering the injection into the affected tendon's area, we can target the source of the pain effectively. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be performed in the clinic setting.

Conclusion

Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow are distinct conditions affecting different sets of tendons in the elbow joint. Accurate diagnosis is essential for tailoring appropriate treatment plans. Joint injections, as a part of comprehensive management, can offer significant relief to patients suffering from persistent pain and inflammation. If you experience persistent elbow pain, I recommend seeking medical advice to determine the most suitable course of action and explore the potential benefits of joint injections in your recovery journey.