If you’re dealing with stubborn elbow pain, it can be hard to tell what’s really going on, especially when golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow share similar symptoms. But knowing the difference is essential for getting the right diagnosis and treatment.
At Dr. Neil Singh’s orthopedic practice, we specialize in diagnosing and treating upper extremity injuries, including both golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. Whether you're an athlete, a hobbyist, or someone managing chronic pain from daily repetitive use, our team offers advanced, personalized solutions to help restore your elbow function. Request an appointment online or call us at (724) 656-0086 to begin your recovery.
Let’s explore how to tell these two common elbow conditions apart—and what treatment options are available.
Understanding the Two Most Common Types of Elbow Pain
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are two of the most frequent causes of elbow pain; both result from overuse and strain on the tendons that anchor the forearm muscles to the elbow joint. While they share some overlapping symptoms, they affect opposite sides of the elbow and involve different muscles and motions.
Knowing the difference between these two conditions is crucial in finding the right treatment and getting lasting relief.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a tendon injury that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. It occurs where the tendons of your forearm flexor muscles attach to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.
You don’t need to be a golfer to develop this condition. Any repetitive wrist flexion or gripping motion, such as lifting weights, using tools, or typing, can lead to golfer’s elbow.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow
- Weak grip strength or discomfort when gripping objects
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially after rest
- Pain radiating down the forearm
- Symptoms that worsen during repetitive wrist or forearm movement
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outer side of the elbow where the wrist extensor muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle. This condition is caused by overuse of the extensor tendons, especially during repetitive wrist extension or lifting activities.
Although commonly associated with tennis players, anyone who performs repetitive wrist or arm motions, such as painters, mechanics, or keyboard users, can experience this injury.
Tennis elbow symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer elbow during lifting or twisting
- Weakness when turning doorknobs or holding objects
- Burning or aching along the forearm
- Worsening pain with wrist extension or resisted hand movements
How to Tell the Difference Between Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow
The biggest difference between these two conditions is the location of the pain. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outer elbow.
Golfer’s elbow is more likely to develop from motions involving gripping and wrist flexion, like swinging a golf club, using a screwdriver, or lifting heavy items with your palm facing upward.
Tennis elbow tends to result from wrist extension, especially when using the hand with the palm facing downward, such as when playing tennis, painting, or typing for long periods without rest.
While both conditions may lead to similar symptoms like weakness, forearm pain, and stiffness, paying attention to which movements aggravate the pain can help determine which type of epicondylitis you may have.
Diagnosis and Treatment Options
To accurately determine whether you’re dealing with golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow, a visit to an orthopedic specialist is essential. Diagnosis typically includes a physical exam, symptom history, and movement tests that isolate the painful tendons. In certain cases, imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to rule out other causes of elbow pain.
Treatment options for both conditions include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Ice therapy and bracing for pain relief
- Physical therapy exercises for strength and flexibility
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy to promote tendon healing
- Minimally invasive procedures such as the Tenex system, which uses ultrasound-guided technology to remove damaged tendon tissue
- Surgical treatment is rarely needed and is considered only if symptoms do not respond to conservative options
Why Choose Dr. Neil Singh for Elbow Pain
At his orthopedic clinic in New Castle, PA, Dr. Neil Singh provides expert care for patients experiencing elbow pain, including both golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. As a fellowship-trained upper extremity specialist, Dr. Singh offers a full range of diagnostic and treatment solutions tailored to your needs.
Dr. Singh focuses on proven, minimally invasive treatments like Tenex, combined with personalized rehabilitation to support long-term relief without surgery whenever possible. His practice also provides onsite hand therapy, ensuring a seamless care experience from diagnosis through recovery.
Let Dr. Neil Singh Help You Find the Right Relief
Whether your elbow pain stems from repetitive motion or a recent injury, understanding the difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Singh offers expert diagnosis and proven therapies to help you heal and return to daily life with confidence.
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Singh, a top orthopedic specialist near Pittsburgh, call (724) 656-0086 or request your appointment online. Our team is here to help you get lasting relief from golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and other upper extremity conditions.
