Elbow · Tendon Overuse
Tennis & Golfer's Elbow
Pain around the elbow may create significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. Symptoms may be located around the lateral (outside area) elbow or the medial (inside area) elbow.
Call our office · (623) 264-3300Where Is Your Pain?
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow affect opposite sides of the same joint.
Lateral · Outside
Tennis Elbow
The ligamentous origin of the muscles that extend your wrist are generating pain.
Medial · Inside
Golfer's Elbow
The ligamentous origin of muscles that flex your wrist and pronate (rotate) your forearm may be affected.
Overview
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow
Pain around the elbow may create significant discomfort and interfere with daily activities. Symptoms may be located around the lateral (outside area) elbow or the medial (inside area) elbow.
Tennis elbow commonly creates lateral-sided discomfort and golfer's elbow may affect the medial elbow. With tennis elbow, the ligamentous origin of the muscles that extend your wrist are generating pain.
With golfer's elbow, the ligamentous origin of muscles that flex your wrist and pronate (rotate) your forearm may be affected.
The Muscles Behind the Symptoms
- Tennis elbow — the ligamentous origin of the wrist extensor muscles
- Golfer's elbow — the ligamentous origin of the wrist flexor and forearm pronator muscles
- Both attach at the elbow, which is why activity in the wrist and forearm produces elbow pain
When to Seek Evaluation
If elbow pain is interfering with your daily activities, an evaluation can confirm which structure is involved and help you understand which treatment options are appropriate for you.
Request an AppointmentTreatment Options
Non-Operative Treatment
Activity modification and avoidance of prolonged repetitive motion may help improve symptoms. Wearing a properly positioned wrist brace may also help with symptoms.
Activity Modification
Activity modification and avoidance of prolonged repetitive motion may help improve symptoms.
Wrist Brace
Wearing a properly positioned wrist brace may also help with symptoms. A wrist brace allows the muscles which move the wrist but originate at the elbow to relax.
Therapy & Exercise
Therapy and an exercise regimen often assist with the resolution of symptoms.
Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection is one of the non-operative treatments your treating physician may discuss.
PRP Injection
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection is another non-operative option your treating physician may discuss.
Realistic Expectations
Non-operative treatment carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Why a Wrist Brace Helps an Elbow Problem
The muscles that move your wrist originate at the elbow. Wearing a properly positioned wrist brace allows the muscles which move the wrist but originate at the elbow to relax, which can reduce the strain placed on their attachment point.
Surgical Treatment
When Surgery Is Considered
Occasionally, surgical treatments are considered. Options for tennis elbow include open and arthroscopic techniques.
Surgery is generally reserved for the uncommon situation where non-operative measures have been trialed and symptoms persist. Your treating physician can discuss whether a surgical approach is appropriate for your condition.
Open Technique
One of the surgical options for tennis elbow, performed through an open approach.
Arthroscopic Technique
One of the surgical options for tennis elbow, performed arthroscopically.
Risks & Benefits
Outcomes after surgery vary and risks and benefits should be discussed in detail with your treating physician.
Non-operative treatment also carries risks and benefits which should be discussed with your treating physician.
Elbow Pain Slowing You Down?
An evaluation can identify which structure is involved and help you understand whether bracing, therapy, injection or surgery is the right path for you.
Request an AppointmentCommon Questions
Tennis & Golfer's Elbow FAQs
Where does tennis elbow cause pain?+
Tennis elbow commonly creates lateral-sided discomfort — pain around the outside area of the elbow. With tennis elbow, the ligamentous origin of the muscles that extend your wrist are generating pain.
Where does golfer's elbow cause pain?+
Golfer's elbow may affect the medial elbow — the inside area. With golfer's elbow, the ligamentous origin of muscles that flex your wrist and pronate (rotate) your forearm may be affected.
What non-surgical treatments may help?+
Activity modification and avoidance of prolonged repetitive motion may help improve symptoms. Wearing a properly positioned wrist brace may also help. Therapy and an exercise regimen often assist with the resolution of symptoms. Other non-operative treatments include cortisone injection and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection.
How does a wrist brace help?+
Wearing a wrist brace allows the muscles which move the wrist but originate at the elbow to relax.
When is surgery considered?+
Occasionally, surgical treatments are considered. Options for tennis elbow include open and arthroscopic techniques.
If your symptoms involve numbness or tingling rather than pain, read about cubital tunnel syndrome.
Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery
Elbow Pain Interfering With Your Day?
If pain around the inside or outside of your elbow is limiting your work, sports or everyday activities, an evaluation with Tanay Amin, MD, FAAOS can identify the cause and help you understand your treatment options.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended to convey, substitute or supplant any medical advice. In order to establish a treating relationship, please schedule and complete your visits with a licensed physician.
Copyright 12/9/2021 Tanay Amin, MD. Do not copy, distribute, or publish this article. Please contact Precision Hand and Orthopedic Surgery PLLC with regards to any inquiries or corrections.