Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (epicondylitis) are injuries to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow. Both injuries are usually the result of repetitive activities that involve the forearm muscles causing strain on the tendons. Over time, tendons can progress from inflammation to partial thickness tears, and finally full thickness tears. However, a patient doesn’t need to be a golfer or tennis player to experience either of these conditions, which can gradually get worse over time. Painters, plumbers, and carpenters or anyone performing repetitive gripping and lifting activities are also prone to both tennis and golfer’s elbow.

Tennis Elbow:

• Pain runs from the outside of your elbow down your forearm.
• Tenderness on the outside of your elbow.
• Pain when gripping or twisting something.
• During tennis, it can hurt to grip the racket or hit backhand.

Golfer’s Elbow:

• Pain runs from the inside of your elbow down the inner arm.
• Tenderness on the inside of your elbow.
• Weakness in the wrist or hand.
• Numbness or tingling in your fingers.
• Pain when gripping or twisting things.
• Pain when flexing your wrist.
• Pain when gripping or swinging a golf club.