Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

These two common ailments can manifest quickly and take a toll on your daily activities. Through identifying the cause early and treating properly, we can shorten recovery and decrease the likelihood of reoccurrence. The difference between these two problems lies within the area in which it affects.

Tennis Elbow is an inflammation of the common wrist extensor tendons along the lateral epicondyle (outside) of the forearm around the elbow. This can develop due to multiple reasons from various activities that utilize the forearm, but often times it is associated with a strength imbalance between wrist flexors and extensors.

Golfer's Elbow is an inflammation of the common wrist flexor tendon near the medial epicondyle (inside) of the forearm around the elbow. Much like tennis elbow, this issue can develop due to overuse. The difference between the two issues is the location of the pain. manifest on the inside portion of the elbow and forearm.

Causes of both include repetitive elbow movement involved in tennis, golf, baseball, football, weightlifting, racking, hammering, gripping of the fingers, painting, and many other repetitive tasks.

The best remedy for tennis and golfer’s elbow is ice and rest. On the initial onset of pain ice the area of pain (elbow) for no longer than 15 minutes for 2-4 times a day. When the pain subsides preventative measures should be taken in order to prevent future occurrences. The best way to do this is to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons involved as well as return to regular activities slowly.