Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow – What’s the Difference ?

You don’t have to be Roger Federer or Tiger Woods to have it…

Even if you have never played a set of tennis or a round of golf, with more people hitting the tennis courts and golf courses, one can still suffer from the two common types of sports injuries viz tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, both caused by any activity that requires repetitive motion of the arm and wrist. The difference between the two conditions lies in where the elbow is inflamed.

Both tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis and golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, are injuries to the tendons attaching your forearm muscles to the bone at your elbow. The “epicondyle” part of epicondylitis refers to the bony bumps or protrusions at your elbow.

Lateral epicondylitis affects the tendons attached to the outer (lateral) side of your elbow, which are connected in turn to the muscles that extend your wrist backward and straighten your fingers. Medial epicondylitis affects tendons connected to the inner (medial) side of your elbow, which are attached to the muscles that flex your wrist and contract your fingers when you grip something.

Common symptoms of Tennis Elbow include :

•  Pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow and down your forearm

•  Tenderness on the outside of your elbow

•  Weakness in your forearm or a weak grip

•  Pain when you grip things, twist something or, if you play tennis, especially with backhand strokes

Golfer’s elbow symptoms are similar, but occur on the inside of your arm and include :

•  Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow

•  Pain that radiates down your arm from the inside of your elbow

•  Weakness in your hand or wrist

•  Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers

•  Pain when you grip or twist things

•  Pain when you flex your wrist

Painters, plumbers, carpenters or anyone performing repetitive gripping and lifting activities are also prone to both tennis and golfer’s elbow.

Helpful Tips for Treating Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

•  For a sports related injury, it could be helpful to learn the proper form from an expert, such as a tennis or golf professional

•  Consistently do exercises to gradually stretch and strengthen your muscles, especially those in the forearm

•  Your doctor may recommend a cortisone shot

•  Your doctor may also refer you to therapy (either physical, occupational, or hand therapy) to help you manage your condition

•  Surgery could be an option after a year of unsuccessful treatment

Quick Yoga tips to relieve Tennis Elbow pain

Tennis Elbow

Ardha Bhujangasana

Gomookhasana

Utthita Trikonasana

Quick Yoga tips to relieve Golfer’s Elbow pain

Viparite Namaskar

Garudasana

Chaturangasana

Fortunately, most cases of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow respond well to conservative treatments. Surgery is usually not necessary, although complete recovery can take weeks or even months, depending on the severity of the condition. The most important aspect of treatment is to reduce the amount of strain on the affected tendons.

Vissco’s Tennis Elbow supports provide the ideal compression to the strained muscles to keep you in action.