Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: What’s The Difference?
Is your arm sore and you’re not sure why? Did you know that even if you haven’t picked up a tennis racquet or golf club in years, you might have one of the conditions known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
The names of these conditions may be vague or a little misleading, but they identify common issues that many people deal with. Ultimately, they are both due to repetitive stress on the elbow. This means that, despite the names, you can actually develop them by doing all sorts of repetitive tasks, not just swinging the clubs on the green every Sunday afternoon! That’s right – you can get tennis elbow without even leaving your office desk!
Although there are similarities, there are crucial differences between tennis elbow vs golfer’s elbow. To undertake relevant treatment, we must identify the underlying factors involved. Learn more about these conditions and how we can help.

What is the Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
If a body part is used in a certain movement over and over again, it can sustain repetitive trauma. The damage involves microscopic tears in the soft tissue of the affected area, which leads to overuse injuries. This can result in inflammation, discomfort, and reduced mobility.
The technical term for these conditions is elbow tendonitis, meaning they are both a form of inflammation of tendons in the elbow. So, alongside the similar repetitive trauma damage and soft tissue involvement, how do you tell the difference? It comes down to three main factors:
- Location: The inflammation of tennis elbow is on the outside of the elbow and forearm, while the inflammation of golfer’s elbow is on the inside.
- Tendon: The site of the pain is indicative of which tendon is affected, which links to either tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
- Signs: The discomfort involved in both conditions is similar, however, the symptoms usually pertain to the location of the inflammation. Furthermore, golfer’s elbow may involve tingling or numb fingers on the affected arm.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow involves the tendon that is on the outside of the elbow, which is connected to the bony bump you can feel on the outer side. This is called the lateral epicondyle, so tennis elbow is technically known as lateral epicondylitis. It also affects the muscles that you use to straighten you fingers and to pull your wrist back.
What are Common Causes of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the forearm muscles have been contracted repetitively without adequate rest. Other factors that may lead to the development of tennis elbow include:
- Carrying out a job or sport that requires regular, frequent movement of the arm or wrist.
- Being 30 to 50 years of age.
- History of an elbow injury.
- Genetics.
What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Signs that can indicate you have tennis elbow may include one of more of the following:
- Sharp, shooting pain during movements that involve the elbow or wrist.
- Aching elbow while at rest.
- Weak hands.
- Tenders in the elbow area when touched.
- Tingling or numb fingers.
What are Long-Term Effects of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is not an acute injury but rather an issue that may get progressively worse. This means it is known as a degenerative condition. Treatment is usually important because, without proper care, simple activities you take for granted could become challenging and painful.
How Do You Treat Tennis Elbow?
Treatment methods that we may incorporate into your treatment plan, depending on your symptoms and level of damage, may include:
- Rest and ice therapy.
- Bracing or taping.
- Massage.
- Manual therapy.
- Dry needling.
- Guidance regarding technique or form.
- MLS Laser Therapy.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow involves the tendon that links to the bony bump you can feel on the inner side of your elbow. Its official name is medial epicondylitis because of its relationship to the medial epicondyle, which is that bony bump.
What are Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow?
Some reasons why you may develop golfer’s elbow (apart from too much golf), may include:
- Carrying out repetitive movements with your arm/s for at least two hours each day.
- Being 40 years old or more.
- Having excess weight.
- Smoking.
What are the Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow?
Symptoms that are part of Golfer’s elbow may include the following:
- Discomfort on the inside of the elbow.
- Pain that travels along the inner forearm, especially with certain movements.
- Reduced range of motion and stiffness.
- Weak, tingling, and/or numb fingers, hands, and/or wrists.
- Aching on the inside of the elbow after carrying out certain movements.
How Do You Treat Golfer’s Elbow?
It is generally important to seek professional care for golfer’s elbow and to do so as soon as possible. Otherwise, the issue may continue to get worse. We can assess your elbow and create a personalised treatment plan, which may involve methods such as:
- Bracing or strapping.
- Manual therapy.
- Stretches.
- Wrist strengthening.
- Rest and ice therapy.
- Ultrasound therapy.
- Lifestyle adjustments.
- Dry Needling.
What are Long-Term Effects of Golfer’s Elbow?
If the issue does not improve with initial treatment, it may become of more chronic issue causing worsening weakness, stiffness, and discomfort. It may require options such as surgery, steroid injections, and platelet-rich plasma therapy.
What Are Some Commonly Mistaken Conditions for Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
If you think these two conditions seem easy to confuse, we have news for you! There are actually some other conditions that present in a similar fashion. That is why gaining a diagnosis from a health professional can be pivotal to your recovery so the correct treatment can be carried out.
Some conditions that may be confused with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow include:
- Osteoarthritis, which is a form of arthritis that involves the thinning of the cartilage in the elbow joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammatory condition that may affect the elbow joint.
- Osteochondritis dissecans, which involves cracks in the cartilage of the elbow joint.
- Radial tunnel syndrome, which is worsened by pressure on the nerve at the top of the forearm.
Optimise Health Will Support Your Recovery
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can both impact your life significantly. Afterall, hand and arm movements are crucial to so many of the day-to-day activities many of us carry out.
If you are experiencing discomfort and reduced functionality due to an issue with your elbow, it may be highly beneficial to gain professional assistance as early as possible. Please contact our friendly team to organise your initial consultation.