Elbow pain can be frustrating and disruptive — especially when it interferes with your ability to work, move around or complete everyday activities. Two of the most common causes of elbow discomfort are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. While they share similarities, these are two distinct conditions with distinct treatments. In this blog, we’ll break down their key differences, explore diagnostic procedures and highlight effective treatment options for elbow pain in Chicago.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the inner part of the elbow. Due to the name, this condition is often associated with sports-related elbow injuries; however, you don’t have to be a golfer to develop it. Any activity that involves repeated gripping, lifting or wrist flexion can lead to golfer’s elbow. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness on the forearm, wrist or inside the elbow
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
- Poor grip strength
- Radiating pain or numbness around the hands and arms
- Discomfort that worsens with wrist or forearm movement
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a repetitive strain injury that affects the outer part of the elbow. It’s generally caused by overuse of the extensor muscles in the forearm, particularly through repetitive wrist extension or gripping motions. Like golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow isn’t limited to athletes — anyone who performs repeated arm and wrist movements can develop this condition. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
- Poor grip strength
- Stiffness and swelling
- Pain that worsens with twisting or bending your arm
- Pain that radiates from the elbow to the forearm
Key Differences Between Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow
Because they both affect the elbow and have similar symptoms, many people use golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow interchangeably. In reality, they differ in the following ways:
- Pain location: Golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow involves the outside of the elbow.
- Symptoms: Although symptoms overlap, there are some distinctive differences. For example, golfer’s elbow causes pain that radiates down the forearm toward the wrist and fingers, while tennis elbow causes pain that radiates along the outer forearm.
- Injury mechanism: Golfer’s elbow is linked to wrist flexion (or bending the hand forward toward the palm). Tennis elbow, on the other hand, is tied to wrist extension (or bending the hand backward toward the forearm).
Due to these differences, the treatment for golfer’s elbow varies from the treatment for tennis elbow. Thus, it’s essential to get an accurate diagnosis.
How Are Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
Unsure what’s causing your elbow pain? At MAPS Centers, we use a combination of medical evaluations, physical exams and diagnostic imaging to determine the root cause of your elbow pain. We’ll start by discussing your symptoms, including the extent of your pain and when it started. Then, we’ll perform light physical exams designed to assess the following:
- Tenderness at the inner (medial) or outer (lateral) elbow
- Range of motion and flexibility
- Grip strength and forearm function
- Pain responses during resisted wrist flexion or extension
- Signs of nerve involvement, such as numbness or tingling
Depending on the results, we may recommend further testing, such as X-rays or ultrasound imaging. Not only can these images help distinguish between golfer’s and tennis elbow, but they can also be used to evaluate tendon damage or rule out other causes.
Treatment Options for Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow at MAPS Centers
Once you’ve achieved an accurate diagnosis, the next step is treatment. Our team at MAPS offers a wide range of minimally invasive treatments for hand, wrist and elbow pain, including:
- Injection-based therapy: Through intra-articular joint and cortisone injections, we can lubricate tissues surrounding the elbow joint and reduce both pain and inflammation.
- Alternative medicine: In addition to traditional injections, we offer innovative treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Using growth factors found in your own plasma, this unique therapy can stimulate healing and relieve pain.
- Other treatments: We combine injection-based treatments with classic, tried-and-true methods, including ethical medication management, physical therapy and bracing.
Whether you need treatment for golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow or a related condition, our team can help.
When to See a Specialist for Persistent Elbow Pain in Chicagoland
Sometimes, elbow pain can go away on its own. In other cases, you need professional intervention. If your elbow pain is persistent, worsening or interfering with day-to-day life, MAPS Centers is here to help you find lasting relief. From our highly personalized diagnostic procedures to our tailored, non-surgical treatments, we go above and beyond to ensure you get the care you deserve. Say goodbye to debilitating elbow pain in Chicago by making an appointment today!
