Golf Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: What’s the Difference?

Elbow pain is a common complaint among athletes and active individuals, but despite their names, golf elbow and tennis elbow aren't limited to golfers and tennis players. In fact, these conditions can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting movements at work, in the gym, or around the house.

While the two injuries are similar, they affect different parts of the elbow and require slightly different treatment approaches. Understanding the difference can help you seek the right care and return to your favourite activities sooner.

At Physical Edge Physiotherapy, we assess and treat both golf elbow and tennis elbow using evidence-based physiotherapy to reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent the problem from returning.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It develops when the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the elbow become irritated from repetitive use. Although commonly associated with tennis, most people diagnosed with tennis elbow have never played the sport.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive gripping

• Racquet sports

• Weightlifting

• Typing or prolonged computer work

• Using hand tools

• Painting or home improvement projects

  
  

Common symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Pain when gripping objects

• Difficulty opening jars or shaking hands

• Weak grip strength

• Pain when lifting objects with the palm facing down

  
  

What Is Golf Elbow?

Golf elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the inside of the elbow. It occurs when the tendons responsible for bending the wrist and fingers become overloaded. Like tennis elbow, golf is only one possible cause.

Common causes include:

• Golf swings

• Throwing sports

• Weight training

• Repetitive lifting

• Carpentry and construction work

• Gardening

  
  

Common symptoms:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow

• Tenderness near the bony part of the elbow

• Pain when gripping or carrying objects

• Discomfort when bending the wrist or making a fist

• Occasionally tingling into the ring and little fingers if the nearby nerve becomes irritated

Why Do These Injuries Occur?

Many people assume elbow pain develops because of inflammation. However, research has shown that these conditions are more often caused by small changes within the tendon due to repeated overload, rather than ongoing inflammation.

Several factors can contribute, including:

• Repetitive movements

• Sudden increases in activity

• Poor lifting or sports technique

• Weak forearm muscles

• Reduced shoulder or wrist strength

• Limited flexibility

• Returning to activity too quickly after an injury

Addressing these underlying factors is often the key to long-term recovery.

Get Back to Doing What You Love

Whether your pain is on the inside or outside of your elbow, you don't have to simply live with it. The right diagnosis and a personalized rehabilitation program can help reduce pain, improve strength, and get you back to your favourite activities.

If you're experiencing elbow pain, the team at Physical Edge Physiotherapy is here to help. Our physiotherapists will identify the source of your pain and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.

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