Are you experiencing persistent elbow joint pain that worsens when gripping objects or playing sports? You might be dealing with either golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow, two common conditions causing pain and inflammation around the elbow. Understanding the differences between these conditions, their causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options is crucial for recovery and prevention.

In this article, we break down everything you need to know about medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) and lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), including how to recognise elbow pain symptoms, what causes these injuries, and the best ways for elbow pain relief at home and through professional care.

 

What Is Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow?

Both golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are forms of elbow tendonitis, involving inflammation and micro-tearing of tendons around the elbow. They fall under the umbrella of repetitive strain injury elbow due to overuse and stress.

  • Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): This condition affects the tendons on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. It’s called medial epicondylitis because it involves inflammation of the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle of the humerus bone.
  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This involves the tendons on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow. The tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle become inflamed or damaged.

Although named after sports, these injuries can affect anyone involved in repetitive arm and wrist motions, such as painters, carpenters, or office workers.

 

Causes of Elbow Joint Pain: Why Do Golfers and Tennis Elbow Occur?

Understanding causes of elbow joint pain helps in preventing and managing these conditions.

  1. Repetitive Strain and Overuse

Both golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow arise mainly due to repetitive motions that stress the forearm muscles and tendons. Activities like swinging a golf club or tennis racket, typing, painting, or using tools can lead to forearm tendonitis.

  1. Poor Technique or Equipment

Incorrect sports technique or using poorly fitting equipment increases strain on the elbow tendons, accelerating wear and inflammation.

  1. Age-Related Tendon Degeneration

Tendons lose elasticity with age, making them more prone to elbow inflammation and tears.

  1. Sudden Injury or Heavy Lifting

While less common, acute injury or lifting heavy weights without proper form can trigger tendon damage leading to chronic elbow pain.

 

Recognising Elbow Pain Symptoms

The hallmark elbow pain symptoms of golfer’s and tennis elbow help distinguish between the two:

  • Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms:
    • Pain on inside of elbow (medial side)
    • Tenderness and stiffness near the elbow joint
    • Pain worsening when gripping or flexing the wrist
    • Weakness in hand and wrist movements
  • Tennis Elbow Symptoms:
    • Pain on outside of elbow (lateral side)
    • Difficulty with gripping and lifting objects
    • Pain when extending the wrist or fingers
    • Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle

Both conditions can cause swelling, decreased grip strength, and persistent discomfort after sports or activity (elbow pain after sports).

 

How Are Golfers and Tennis Elbows Diagnosed?

Proper elbow pain diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical exam:

  • The doctor will ask about your symptoms, activities, and when pain occurs.
  • Palpation helps pinpoint the exact area of tenderness (medial or lateral epicondyle).
  • Specific maneuvers test muscle and tendon function (e.g., resisted wrist flexion or extension).
  • Imaging like X-rays or MRI may be used to exclude fractures or other elbow problems.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing progression to chronic elbow pain.

 

Preventing Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow

Preventing these conditions is just as important as treatment.

  • Warm up properly before sports or repetitive tasks.
  • Use proper technique and equipment to minimize stress on elbow tendons.
  • Strengthen forearm muscles with regular elbow pain exercises.
  • Take frequent breaks to avoid repetitive strain injury elbow.

 

When to See a Doctor for Elbow Pain

Consult your doctor if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening elbow joint pain
  • Persistent weakness or loss of grip strength
  • Pain that doesn’t improve with home treatment after several weeks
  • Signs of infection like redness, swelling, or warmth

Early medical attention helps avoid chronic elbow pain and improves outcomes.

Looking for a pain specialist in Singapore to diagnose and manage your elbow pain? Our experienced pain specialists provide comprehensive care for golfers and tennis elbow.

Learn more about our pain treatments for golfer’s/tennis elbow here or contact our clinic today to book an appointment and start your journey to recovery.