Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: Understanding, Treating, and Recovering

It typically develops due to repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to small tears in the tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle (bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow).

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can occur in individuals who have never played tennis. It typically develops due to repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to small tears in the tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle (bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow).

Causes

Repetitive motions: Activities involving gripping, twisting, or lifting can strain the tendons in the forearm, leading to tennis elbow. These activities may include playing tennis, using hand tools, typing, painting, or playing certain musical instruments.
Overuse: Engaging in repetitive tasks without adequate rest or using incorrect techniques can contribute to developing tennis elbow.
Age and occupation: Tennis elbow is more common in individuals aged 30 to 50 and those who perform repetitive movements as part of their job, such as plumbers, carpenters, and cooks.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
Weak grip strength, making it difficult to hold objects or perform daily activities.
Stiffness and difficulty fully extending the forearm.

Treatment

Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms and give the affected arm adequate rest to allow the tendon to heal.
Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
Brace or strap: Wearing a brace or strap around the forearm can support and relieve tension on the affected tendon.
Corticosteroid injections: In severe cases, your physician may recommend injections of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy: PRP injections can promote healing by delivering concentrated growth factors to the injured tendon.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner part of the elbow. It involves inflammation of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, often due to repetitive use of the wrist and fingers.

Causes

Repetitive gripping: Activities that involve repetitive gripping or flexing of the wrist, such as golfing, pitching in baseball, or using hand tools, can contribute to golfer’s elbow.
Overuse: Performing repetitive movements without proper technique or rest can strain the tendons in the forearm.
Sports and occupations: Golfer’s elbow is commonly seen in golfers, but it can also occur in individuals who participate in activities that involve repetitive wrist and finger movements and certain occupations like plumbing or carpentry.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the inner part of the elbow, which may extend down the forearm.
Weakness in the hand and wrist makes it challenging to grip objects or perform tasks requiring fine motor skills.
Stiffness and difficulty bending or straightening the elbow.

Treatment

Rest: Avoid activities that worsen symptoms and allow the affected arm to rest and heal.
Ice therapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen the muscles and improve flexibility.
Brace or strap: A brace or strap can support the affected tendons and relieve strain during activities.
Corticosteroid injections: Injections of corticosteroids may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
PRP therapy: PRP injections can accelerate healing by delivering growth factors to the injured tendon.

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are common orthopedic conditions that can cause pain and discomfort, affecting daily activities and quality of life. At Precision Orthopaedic Specialties, our team of orthopedic experts provide personalized care and effective treatment options for patients with these conditions.

If you’re experiencing tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact us for evaluation and treatment tailored to your needs. With proper management and rehabilitation, many individuals can experience significant relief and return to their normal activities pain-free.