GOLFER’S ELBOW ISN’T AS GOOD AS IT SOUNDS: What’s the difference between Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow?

Pain in Your Elbow could be a detriment to your game. 

 

It’s that time of year again! Golf and tennis players are ready to play their beloved game!

A common injury that affects both golfers and tennis players is an overuse injury to the elbow, known as either Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) or Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis).

 

 

It occurs when the joint and tendons become overworked and inflamed from the repetitive motions of swinging a club or racquet. Tenderness or numbness in the elbow or forearm as well as difficulty grasping or gripping things can be a sign of either condition.

Although similar, some differences in these two orthopedic injuries are:

• Pain from Golfer’s Elbow tends to be felt on the inner side of the arm and elbow; Tennis Elbow is most often felt on the outer part of the elbow and forearm.
• Tennis Elbow affects the tendons along the outside of the forearm that flex the hand and wrist backwards and forwards.
• Golfer’s Elbow affects tendons on the inside of the forearm that control the fingers.

For elbow pain that is severe, and you are having difficulty completing basic tasks like opening a door or lifting a cup, you may need a more serious treatment like a cortisone injection or surgery to repair the damaged tendon.

The specialists at Mendelson Kornblum perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most effective course of treatment for your pain!

To make an appointment with one of our board-certified hand, wrist surgeons, and elbow doctors, please call us today to schedule an appointment!

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