Elbow pain that builds slowly over weeks is often a tendon problem, not an injury. The two most common culprits are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. When comparing golfer's elbow vs. tennis elbow, the biggest clue is location: tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow hurts on the inside. Despite the names, most people who have either condition do not play tennis or golf.
At the Hand & Upper Extremity Center of San Antonio, our hand and upper extremity specialists treat both conditions every week. Here is how to tell them apart, what causes them, and when it is time to have your elbow checked.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is irritation and small tears in the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. These tendons control the muscles that lift your wrist and fingers. Repeating the same wrist motion day after day, such as typing, using a screwdriver, painting, or swinging a racket, can overload the tendon faster than it can repair itself.
If you already know you are dealing with tennis elbow, our guide on how to treat tennis elbow walks through treatment step by step.
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. These tendons control the muscles that bend your wrist and fingers toward your palm. Golfer's elbow is less common than tennis elbow, and it often shows up in people who grip, lift, or throw repeatedly, including carpenters, gardeners, weightlifters, and pitchers.
Because the ulnar nerve (your "funny bone" nerve) runs right next to the inner elbow, some people with golfer's elbow also notice numbness or tingling in the ring and small fingers.
Where Does It Hurt? How the Symptoms Differ
Both conditions usually start as a dull ache that gets sharper with use. What does tennis elbow feel like compared with golfer's elbow? The pain pattern is the easiest way to tell.
Tennis elbow typically causes:
Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow that can spread down the forearm
Pain when gripping, shaking hands, or lifting a coffee cup
Pain when turning a doorknob or using a screwdriver
A weaker grip than usual
Golfer's elbow typically causes:
Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Pain when bending the wrist toward the palm or making a fist
Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
Numbness or tingling into the ring and small fingers in some cases
Elbow pain can also come from arthritis, a pinched nerve, or a ligament injury. If your elbow hurts mainly when you bend it, read why your elbow hurts when you bend it.
What Causes Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Both are overuse conditions. Common risk factors include:
Repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting at work or home
Sports with a repeated swing or throw
Sudden increases in activity, like a weekend project or a new workout
Using tools or equipment that are too heavy or the wrong grip size
Age, as both are most common between about 30 and 50
Golfer's Elbow Treatment and Tennis Elbow Treatment
The good news is that most people with either condition improve without surgery. Treatment is similar for both and focuses on calming the tendon and helping it heal.
Golfer's Elbow Remedies to Try First
Rest from the activity that triggers the pain
Ice the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day
Wear a counterforce brace or strap just below the elbow
Use gentle stretches for the forearm muscles
Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicine if your doctor says it is safe for you
Medical Treatment Options
If pain lasts more than a few weeks, a hand and upper extremity specialist can confirm the diagnosis and build a plan. Options may include hand therapy with targeted stretching and strengthening, activity and ergonomic changes, and injections in some cases. Our certified hand therapists work on site, so therapy and follow-up stay with the same team.
When Surgery Is Considered
Surgery is usually considered only when pain continues after several months of nonsurgical care. During surgery, the surgeon removes damaged tendon tissue and repairs the attachment. To learn more, see Does Elbow Tendonitis Require Surgery?
When to See an Elbow Specialist in San Antonio
It's natural to wait and hope elbow pain fades on its own, and sometimes it does. But tendon pain that lingers can make everyday tasks like lifting a grocery bag or typing harder over time. Schedule a visit if pain lasts longer than two to three weeks, your grip feels weak or you drop things, you have numbness or tingling in your fingers, pain wakes you up at night, or the elbow is swollen, warm, or hard to straighten.
Don't let elbow pain slow you down. At The Hand Center of San Antonio, a quick evaluation gives you a clear diagnosis and a plan to get back to work, sports, and daily life.