Elbow pain can feel very different depending on which tendon is irritated. Tennis elbow usually causes discomfort along the outside of the joint, while golfer's elbow affects the inner side. Despite their names, neither condition is limited to athletes. Repetitive gripping, lifting, wrist movement, tools, exercise, and other daily activities can all strain these areas. Our OIBortho elbow specialists treat both conditions throughout Ocean and Monmouth Counties. Nicholas A. Phillips, DO is a board-certified, fellowship-trained upper-extremity surgeon who treats tennis and golfer's elbow.
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Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow
Both conditions affect tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow, but they cause pain in different areas and are often aggravated by different movements.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, typically causes pain along the outside of the elbow. Symptoms may worsen with wrist extension, lifting, gripping, or repeated forearm use. Despite the name, it can affect athletes and non-athletes alike.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, usually causes pain along the inside of the elbow. Wrist flexion, gripping, and repetitive forearm movements can make symptoms worse. It is also not limited to golfers and may develop from work, exercise, hobbies, or other repeated motions.
Where you feel pain and which movements aggravate it can give your physician useful clues, but tendon, joint, and nerve problems can sometimes cause similar symptoms.
Why Do These Tendon Problems Develop?
Repeated force through the wrist and forearm can overload the tendons around the elbow. Racquet sports and golf are two examples, but occupational tasks, weight training, yard work, home projects, and hobbies can cause the same type of strain.
You may notice tenderness over the affected side of the joint, discomfort while gripping or lifting, or weakness during certain wrist and forearm movements.
Patients whose symptoms are related to exercise or athletics may also benefit from our sports medicine services.
How Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow Treated?
Many patients begin with non-operative elbow treatment. Care can involve changing aggravating activities, anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, injections, or physical therapy to work on mobility, forearm strength, and movement mechanics.
Surgery is generally considered only when symptoms remain limiting despite appropriate conservative treatment or another structural problem requires it.
Why Choose OIBortho for Elbow Care in Ocean and Monmouth Counties?
Our elbow team includes physicians trained in sports medicine and upper-extremity surgery. Dr. Phillips is board-certified in orthopaedic surgery and fellowship-trained in conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand, allowing patients with persistent symptoms to access specialized evaluation within OIBortho.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Have to Play Tennis or Golf to Develop These Conditions?
No. Any repeated wrist, gripping, lifting, or forearm activity can place stress on the affected tendons.
Can Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow Occur Together?
Symptoms can affect more than one area, so pain on both sides of the joint deserves an examination rather than assuming there is a single cause.
Can a Brace Help?
A brace or support may reduce strain for some patients and can be included in a nonsurgical treatment plan.
Are Numbness and Tingling Typical?
Numbness or tingling can point to nerve involvement rather than a straightforward tendon problem, so those symptoms should be discussed with your physician.
When Should I See an Orthopaedic Specialist?
Consider an evaluation when pain persists, keeps returning, causes noticeable weakness, or begins interfering with work, exercise, or routine arm use.
Stop Guessing About Persistent Elbow Pain
If inner or outer elbow pain is not settling down, our OIBortho team can determine which structures are involved and discuss appropriate treatment. Contact us or call 732-800-9000 for an elbow evaluation serving Ocean and Monmouth Counties, NJ.