Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are conditions that cause pain on the outside and inside of your elbow. These injuries are often caused by repetitive stress to the tendons in and around the elbow joint. Although similar, they are not the same ailment, and there are different types of each condition.
When it comes to your health, it is important to know which type of elbow pain you have so that you can get the right treatment for your problem. At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, a board-certified orthopedic specialist will thoroughly examine your elbow and symptoms to diagnose your condition and identify the most effective course of action for your treatment.
Could the Pain You Are Experiencing in Your Arm or Elbow Be Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition in which the muscles in the forearm are damaged from overuse. Lateral epicondylitis typically causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow in the muscles and tendons.
Most often caused by repetitive use of the forearm and wrist, tennis elbow can come from playing sports such as tennis or golf. Although tennis elbow most commonly affects athletic individuals, it could affect anyone and can also be caused by sudden jerking motions like throwing or lifting heavy objects.
Tennis elbow can also develop from using tools or equipment that require gripping (like hammering), as well as tasks that involve putting pressure on one hand while pushing against something with your other hand (like painting).
How Do You Know if You Have Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
Unlike tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow rather than the outside. However, like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow is also caused by repetitive stress, such as gripping a golf club or playing tennis.
Golfer’s elbow usually feels like it is coming from under where you hold things. A couple of signs that you could be suffering from golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain along the inner part of your forearm when you flex it against resistance
- Tenderness when you press down on the area with your fingers
If you are experiencing pain in your arm or in the elbow area, consult with a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can determine whether your pain is being caused by tennis or golfer’s elbow or something else entirely. The NJ Spine & Orthopedic team will be able to recommend the best treatment options, regardless of which condition you are suffering from.
Seek Treatment for Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow from a Board-Certified Specialist
If you think that tennis or golfer’s elbow could be the cause of the discomfort you are experiencing in your arm or elbow area, make sure to see a board-certified surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan.
At NJ Spine & Orthopedic, we encourage our patients to consider all treatment options before coming to a final decision on their treatment plan. Our accredited and board-certified orthopedic specialists will help you determine the most effective course of action for your ailment, whether it is tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or another condition.