How is golfer’s elbow different from tennis elbow?

How is golfer’s elbow different from tennis elbow?

There are many common misconceptions when it comes to tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Some people think tennis and golfer’s elbow are the same thing. Some people have heard of one, but not the other. Still others believe you can only get tennis elbow from tennis and golfer’s elbow from golf.

The truth is, these are two different conditions with similar causes and symptoms. Both are caused by repetition and overuse. Many people who experience tennis or golfer’s elbow are not tennis players or golfers at all.

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are actually somewhat opposite. They are similar conditions, both involving pain along the forearm and elbow. However, a patient with tennis elbow has pain on the outside of their elbow while a patient with golfer’s elbow has pain on the inside of their elbow

Golfer’s elbow

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle.

Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is usually caused by the overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that control wrist and finger movement, but may also be caused by direct trauma such as a fall, car accident or work injury.

Golfer’s elbow is commonly seen in golfers; hence the name. It occurs especially when poor technique or unsuitable equipment is used when hitting the ball. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, pitching sports, gardening, shoveling, fencing and playing golf.

The signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow can include the following:

• Elbow pain that appears suddenly or gradually
• Achy pain to the inner side of the elbow during activity
• Elbow stiffness with decreased range of motion
• Pain that radiates to the inner forearm, hand or wrist
• Weakened grip
• Increased pain while gripping objects
• Increased pain in the elbow when the wrist is flexed or bent forward toward the forearm

Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Conservative Treatment Options for Golfer’s Elbow

Your doctor will recommend conservative treatment options to treat the symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow. These may include the following:

• Activity restrictions: Limit the use and rest your arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
• Orthotics: Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
• Ice: Ice packs applied to the injury will help reduce swelling and pain. Ice should be applied over a towel to the affected area for 20 minutes, four times a day for a couple of days. Never place ice directly over the skin.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat the pain and swelling.
• Occupational therapy: OT may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises once your symptoms have reduced.
• Pulsed ultrasound: This is a treatment used by therapists to break up scar tissue and increase blood flow to the injured tendons and promote healing.

Tennis elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a common name for the elbow condition lateral epicondylitis. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation and microtears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.

Tennis elbow is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions at the forearm. The condition is more common in sports activities such as tennis, painting, hammering, typing, gardening and playing musical instruments.

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis - inflammation of the tendons.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles but may also be caused by direct trauma such as with a fall, car accident or work injury.

Tennis elbow is commonly seen in tennis players, hence the name, especially when poor technique is used while hitting the ball with a backhand stroke. Other common causes include any activity that requires repetitive motion of the forearm such as painting, hammering, typing, raking, weaving, gardening, lifting heavy objects and playing musical instruments.

The signs and symptoms of tennis elbow can include the following:

• Elbow pain that gradually worsens
• Pain to the outside of the elbow that radiates to the forearm and wrist with grasping objects
• Weak grip
• Painful grip
• Pain that is exacerbated in the elbow when the wrist is bent back

Treatment of Tennis Elbow

Your doctor will first recommend conservative treatment options. These may include:

• Limit the use and rest the arm from activities that worsen symptoms.
• Splints or braces may be ordered to decrease stress on the injured tissues.
• Apply ice packs on the elbow to reduce swelling.
• Avoid activities that bring on the symptoms and increase stress on the tendons.
• Anti-inflammatory medications and/or steroid injections may be ordered to treat pain and swelling.
• Physical therapy may be ordered for strengthening and stretching exercises to the forearm once your symptoms have decreased.
• Pulsed ultrasound may be used to increase blood flow and promote healing to the injured tendons

Elbow pain Embolization: non- surgical treatment for golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow

A Non-Surgical Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow & Tennis Elbow. Elbow Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces chronic elbow pain by blocking the abnormal blood vessels that cause inflammation and nerve sensitivity in the damaged tendon.

If rest, physical therapy, braces, medications, or injections hasn’t helped, elbow embolization may offer relief—without surgery

What Is Elbow Embolization?

Elbow Embolization is a minimally invasive, image-guided procedure that reduces chronic elbow pain by blocking the abnormal blood vessels that cause inflammation and nerve sensitivity in the damaged tendon.

• Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) affects the outer part of the elbow
• Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) affects the inner part of the elbow
  

During embolization, a small amount of medication is injected into these abnormal vessels, reducing inflammation, calming pain, and allowing the tendon to heal naturally.

Benefits of Elbow Embolization

• Minimally Invasive – No incisions, implants, or joint reconstruction
• Outpatient Procedure – Performed in our vascular center; no hospital stay
• Quick Recovery – Back to normal light activity the following day
• Significant Pain Reduction – Often within 2-4 weeks
• Delays or Avoids Surgery – Ideal for patients not ready or eligible for surgery
• Preserves Joint Structure – Treats inflammation without altering anatomy
• No general anesthesia – No long recovery or risks from anesthesia

This is an excellent option for patients who have chronic elbow pain lasting 3+ months, especially when other treatments have failed.

 FOR GOLFER’S ELBOW Why Choose BANKERS VASCULAR CENTRE ?

• Board-certified vascular and interventional specialists
• Cutting-edge outpatient facility
• Proven success in treating chronic tendon pain
• Personalized care focused on long-term relief
• Close coordination with your doctor or primary care provider

LFER’S ELBOW & TENNIS ELBOW