Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow: Key Differences, Symptoms & Treatment
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Tennis elbow vs golf elbow — both are painful overuse injuries affecting the elbow, but they are not the same condition. They affect different sides of the elbow, different tendons, and require slightly different treatment approaches. Whether you're a tennis player, golfer, or neither, understanding the difference is the first step to recovery.
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Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golf Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical name | Lateral epicondylitis | Medial epicondylitis |
| Location | Outer (lateral) side of elbow | Inner (medial) side of elbow |
| Tendons affected | Extensor tendons (forearm) | Flexor tendons (forearm) |
| Common in | Tennis, painting, typing, plumbing | Golf, throwing sports, weightlifting |
| Pain location | Outside of elbow, radiates down forearm | Inside of elbow, radiates down forearm |
| Grip pain | Yes — especially backhand shots | Yes — especially gripping and flexing |
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. It occurs when the extensor tendons — which connect the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow) — become inflamed or develop small tears from repetitive strain.
Despite the name, tennis elbow affects far more non-tennis players than tennis players. It is one of the most common overuse injuries in adults, affecting painters, plumbers, carpenters, typists, and anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist extension movements.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain that radiates down the forearm toward the wrist
- Weak grip strength — difficulty holding a racket, cup, or tool
- Pain when extending the wrist or fingers against resistance
- Pain worsens with backhand strokes in tennis
- Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement
Tennis Elbow Causes
- Repetitive backhand strokes in tennis (especially with poor technique)
- Repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting at work
- Using a racket that is too heavy or strung too tightly
- Sudden increase in training volume or intensity
- Poor ergonomics at a desk or workstation
What Is Golf Elbow?
Golf elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It occurs when the flexor tendons — which connect the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow) — become inflamed from repetitive flexion and gripping movements.
Like tennis elbow, golf elbow is not exclusive to golfers. It commonly affects baseball pitchers, rock climbers, weightlifters, and anyone who performs repetitive wrist flexion or forearm rotation.
Golf Elbow Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain that radiates down the inner forearm toward the wrist
- Weak grip strength and difficulty flexing the wrist
- Pain when flexing the wrist or fingers against resistance
- Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers (in some cases)
- Pain worsens with throwing, gripping, or swinging movements
Golf Elbow Causes
- Repetitive golf swings, especially with poor technique
- Throwing sports (baseball, javelin, cricket)
- Heavy weightlifting — particularly curls and rows
- Rock climbing and grip-intensive activities
- Repetitive forearm flexion at work
How to Tell the Difference: Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow
The simplest way to distinguish tennis elbow vs golf elbow is by location:
- Press the outside of your elbow (lateral epicondyle) — if it's tender, you likely have tennis elbow.
- Press the inside of your elbow (medial epicondyle) — if it's tender, you likely have golf elbow.
Both conditions cause forearm pain and weak grip, but the side of the elbow affected is the key diagnostic difference. A physiotherapist or doctor can confirm the diagnosis with a physical examination and, if needed, an ultrasound or MRI.
Tennis Elbow Treatment
Most cases of tennis elbow resolve with conservative treatment over 6–12 weeks:
- Rest: Reduce or stop the activity causing the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the outer elbow for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times per day.
- Tennis elbow brace: A tennis elbow brace worn just below the elbow reduces strain on the tendon during activity.
- Physiotherapy: Eccentric strengthening exercises are the gold standard for tendon rehabilitation.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: NSAIDs (ibuprofen) can reduce pain and inflammation in the short term.
- Technique correction: For tennis players, a coach should assess your backhand technique.
- Equipment check: Consider a lighter racket, lower string tension, or a larger grip size.
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Golf Elbow Treatment
- Rest from the aggravating activity.
- Ice the inner elbow for 15–20 minutes several times per day.
- Physiotherapy: Eccentric wrist flexor exercises are the primary rehabilitation tool.
- Anti-inflammatory medication for short-term pain relief.
- Technique correction for golfers and throwers.
- Corticosteroid injection: In persistent cases, a cortisone injection can provide temporary relief.
Can You Play Tennis with Tennis Elbow?
In mild cases, you can continue playing with modifications — wearing a tennis elbow brace, reducing session length, and avoiding painful movements. However, playing through significant pain risks worsening the injury and extending recovery time. Always consult a physiotherapist before returning to play.
Prevention: How to Avoid Tennis Elbow and Golf Elbow
- Warm up thoroughly before play — include wrist circles and forearm stretches
- Strengthen the forearm muscles with regular eccentric exercises
- Use correct technique — especially on the backhand in tennis
- Choose appropriate equipment — correct grip size, string tension, and racket weight
- Increase training load gradually — avoid sudden spikes in volume or intensity
- Rest adequately between sessions
Frequently Asked Questions: Tennis Elbow vs Golf Elbow
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golf elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the outer (lateral) side of the elbow and is caused by overuse of the extensor tendons. Golf elbow affects the inner (medial) side and is caused by overuse of the flexor tendons. Both cause forearm pain and weak grip, but on opposite sides of the elbow.
How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golf elbow?
Press the bony bump on the outside of your elbow — if tender, it's likely tennis elbow. Press the bony bump on the inside — if tender, it's likely golf elbow. A physiotherapist can confirm the diagnosis.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Most cases resolve within 6–12 weeks with proper rest, physiotherapy, and a tennis elbow brace. Severe or chronic cases can take 6–12 months.
Can you get both tennis elbow and golf elbow at the same time?
Yes — it is possible to have both conditions simultaneously, though uncommon.
Do I need a tennis elbow brace?
A tennis elbow brace is one of the most effective short-term interventions for reducing pain during activity. Most physiotherapists recommend one during the early stages of recovery.
