Elbow pain is becoming increasingly common in today’s lifestyle. From office professionals working long hours on computers to homemakers, gym-goers, factory workers, and sports players, elbow pain affects people across all age groups. Two of the most common causes of chronic elbow pain are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow.
Although their names sound similar and both conditions involve elbow tendon injuries, they are not the same problem. Many patients in India often confuse one with the other, leading to delayed treatment, incorrect exercises, and prolonged pain.
At London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni, a highly qualified Orthopedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist treatments, regularly treats patients suffering from tennis elbow pain and golfer’s elbow pain using modern, evidence-based, non-surgical and surgical approaches.
In this detailed guide, we will clearly explain the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the best treatment options available in India today.
Understanding Elbow Pain and Tendon Injuries
The elbow is a complex joint formed by three bones and supported by multiple muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Tendons connect muscles to bones and play a crucial role in hand, wrist, and forearm movements.
When these tendons are repeatedly stressed due to overuse, poor posture, incorrect technique, or repetitive work, they can develop small tears and inflammation. This condition is medically known as epicondylitis.
There are two main types:
- Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
The difference lies in where the pain occurs and which tendons are affected.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically called lateral epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons on the outer side of the elbow become damaged due to repetitive strain.
Despite its name, tennis elbow does not occur only in tennis players. In fact, most patients treated for tennis elbow in India are non-athletes.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is caused by repeated stress on the forearm muscles that help in wrist extension and gripping. Common causes include:
- Long hours of computer and mouse use
- Repetitive typing and clicking
- Lifting heavy objects incorrectly
- Playing racquet sports with poor technique
- Using hand tools like screwdrivers or hammers
- Weightlifting with improper form
- Household chores involving repeated wrist movement
This is why tennis elbow is often seen in office workers, IT professionals, carpenters, mechanics, and homemakers.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
Again, despite the name, this condition is not limited to golfers. Many people who have never played golf develop golfer’s elbow due to repetitive wrist bending and gripping activities.
Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow develops due to repeated stress on the muscles responsible for wrist flexion. Common causes include:
- Repeated lifting and carrying
- Gym workouts involving heavy weights
- Throwing sports
- Poor grip technique during exercises
- Manual labour
- Long-term repetitive hand movements
In India, golfer’s elbow is commonly seen in gym-goers, factory workers, drivers, and individuals involved in physically demanding jobs.
Key Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
The simplest way to understand the difference is by location of pain:
- Tennis elbow pain occurs on the outer side of the elbow
- Golfer’s elbow pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow
However, the difference goes much deeper than just pain location. Each condition involves different muscle groups, different stress patterns, and requires a specific treatment approach.
Ignoring this difference or following incorrect exercises can worsen the condition and delay recovery.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Patients with tennis elbow usually experience:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain while lifting objects, even light ones
- Difficulty shaking hands
- Increased pain while using a mouse or keyboard
- Pain radiating towards the forearm
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
In chronic tennis elbow, pain may persist even at rest and during sleep.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow symptoms are slightly different and include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain while bending the wrist
- Weakness in the hand and forearm
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Tingling or numbness in fingers in some cases
- Pain while gripping or lifting
The pain often increases with activities involving wrist flexion or forceful gripping.
Why Early Diagnosis Is Important
Many patients delay seeking medical advice, assuming elbow pain will resolve on its own. Unfortunately, untreated elbow tendon injuries can become chronic and difficult to manage.
At London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni emphasises early diagnosis to:
- Prevent chronic tendon damage
- Reduce recovery time
- Avoid unnecessary surgery
- Restore full arm function faster
Early treatment significantly improves outcomes in both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
How Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Are Diagnosed
Diagnosis begins with a detailed clinical examination. An experienced orthopedic doctor for elbow pain can often diagnose the condition based on history and physical tests.
Diagnosis may include:
- Understanding daily activities and work habits
- Checking pain location and tenderness
- Assessing grip strength and arm movement
- Identifying aggravating movements
In some cases, imaging studies like X-rays or MRI scans may be advised to rule out other causes of elbow pain such as arthritis, ligament injury, or nerve compression.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated successfully without surgery.
Activity Modification
Reducing or modifying activities that cause strain is the first step. Proper ergonomics at the workplace play a crucial role.
Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow
Physiotherapy helps strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and promote tendon healing. Specific exercises are prescribed based on the severity of the condition.
Pain Management
Pain-relieving medications may be used for short-term relief under medical supervision.
Advanced Injection Therapies
In cases where pain persists, advanced injection treatments may be recommended to promote healing and reduce inflammation.
Bracing and Supports
Elbow braces help reduce stress on affected tendons and provide pain relief during activities.
Non-Surgical Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow treatment follows similar principles but focuses on different muscle groups.
Rest and Activity Correction
Avoiding repetitive wrist bending activities is essential during the healing phase.
Targeted Physiotherapy
Specific stretching and strengthening exercises help restore tendon health and prevent recurrence.
Pain Control
Medications and supportive treatments help manage inflammation and discomfort.
Injections When Required
In persistent cases, specialised injection treatments may be advised by an elbow specialist.
When Is Surgery Needed?
Surgery is rarely required for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. It is considered only when:
- Pain persists despite prolonged non-surgical treatment
- Daily activities are severely affected
- Tendon damage is extensive
As an experienced elbow specialist in Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni carefully evaluates each patient before recommending surgery and focuses on conservative treatment whenever possible.
Recovery Time and Healing Expectations
Recovery depends on:
- Severity of the condition
- Duration of symptoms
- Patient compliance with treatment
- Lifestyle and work demands
Mild cases may recover within a few weeks, while chronic conditions may take several months. Proper treatment and guided rehabilitation significantly improve healing outcomes.
Prevention Tips for Elbow Pain
Preventing tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow is possible with simple lifestyle changes:
- Maintain proper posture while working
- Take frequent breaks during repetitive tasks
- Use ergonomic tools
- Warm up before sports or workouts
- Avoid sudden increase in activity intensity
- Learn correct techniques for sports and gym exercises
Prevention is especially important for people with physically demanding jobs.
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Elbow Pain Treatment in Nagpur?
Dr. Vishal Sahni is a highly respected Orthopedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist disorders. His qualifications include:
- MBBS
- MS Orthopaedics
- FRCS Orthopaedics, London
- MCh Orthopaedics, Liverpool
At London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, patients receive:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Personalised treatment plans
- Modern non-surgical care
- Advanced orthopedic expertise
- Ethical and patient-focused approach
His experience in managing complex elbow pain cases makes him one of the trusted elbow pain specialists in Central India.
Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow is the first step towards effective treatment. Although both conditions involve elbow tendon injuries, they affect different areas and require tailored management.
If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty in daily activities, timely consultation with an experienced orthopedic doctor can make a significant difference.
Early diagnosis, proper treatment, and guided rehabilitation can help you return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
FAQs: Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow
1. What is the main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
The main difference lies in the location of pain. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. Both are tendon injuries caused by repetitive strain but affect different muscles.
2. Can tennis elbow occur without playing tennis?
Yes. Most people with tennis elbow are not tennis players. It commonly affects office workers, computer users, homemakers, mechanics, and people doing repetitive hand or wrist movements.
3. Is golfer’s elbow only seen in golfers?
No. Golfer’s elbow can occur in anyone who repeatedly bends the wrist or grips objects tightly. Gym-goers, manual workers, drivers, and people lifting weights incorrectly often develop golfer’s elbow.
4. Which condition is more painful – tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
Both conditions can be equally painful. The severity of pain depends on the extent of tendon damage, duration of symptoms, and activity level rather than the type of elbow condition.
5. How do I know whether my elbow pain is tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
If the pain is on the outer side of the elbow, it is likely tennis elbow. If the pain is on the inner side of the elbow, it is more likely golfer’s elbow. A proper examination by an orthopedic doctor confirms the diagnosis.
6. What are the early warning signs of tennis elbow?
Early signs include pain while gripping objects, weakness in the hand, discomfort while using a mouse or lifting light items, and tenderness on the outer elbow.
7. What are the early warning signs of golfer’s elbow?
Early symptoms include pain on the inner elbow, stiffness, discomfort while bending the wrist, and weakness during gripping or lifting activities.
8. Can tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow heal on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and activity modification. However, persistent pain should not be ignored, as untreated cases can become chronic and difficult to treat.
9. How long does recovery take for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Recovery time varies. Mild cases may recover in a few weeks, while chronic cases may take several months. Early treatment helps speed up recovery significantly.
10. What is the best treatment for tennis elbow?
The best treatment usually includes rest, physiotherapy, pain management, activity correction, and supportive braces. Most patients recover without surgery.
11. What is the best treatment for golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow treatment focuses on reducing strain, physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, and pain control. Advanced treatments may be advised if symptoms persist.
12. Are exercises helpful for both conditions?
Yes, but the exercises are different for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Doing the wrong exercises can worsen pain, so exercises should be done under professional guidance.
13. When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?
You should consult an orthopedic doctor if elbow pain lasts more than a few days, affects daily activities, or keeps returning despite rest.
14. Can tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow occur at the same time?
Although rare, it is possible to have pain on both sides of the elbow, especially in people with heavy or repetitive arm use.
15. Is surgery required for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
Surgery is rarely needed. Most cases respond well to non-surgical treatment. Surgery is considered only when pain persists despite long-term conservative care.
16. Can office work cause tennis elbow?
Yes. Long hours of computer use, poor posture, and continuous mouse clicking are common causes of tennis elbow among office workers.
17. Can gym workouts cause golfer’s elbow?
Yes. Improper lifting techniques, heavy weights, and poor grip form can lead to golfer’s elbow, especially in beginners.
18. How can I prevent tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Proper posture, ergonomic work setup, regular breaks, correct exercise techniques, and strengthening forearm muscles help prevent elbow injuries.
19. Is elbow pain always due to tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
No. Elbow pain can also occur due to arthritis, nerve issues, ligament injuries, or fractures. A proper medical evaluation is important.
20. Who is the right doctor to consult for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?
An orthopedic surgeon or elbow specialist experienced in treating sports and overuse injuries is the right choice for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
21. Who is Dr. Vishal Sahni?
Dr. Vishal Sahni is a highly experienced Orthopedic Surgeon specialising in Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist treatments. He practices at London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur, and is known for advanced care in complex elbow conditions, including elbow replacement surgery.
22. Does Dr. Vishal Sahni treat both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Yes. Dr. Vishal Sahni specialises in treating both tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) using personalised, evidence-based treatment plans.
23. What treatment approach does Dr. Vishal Sahni follow for tennis elbow?
Dr. Sahni focuses on accurate diagnosis, activity modification, targeted physiotherapy, pain control, and advanced non-surgical treatments. Surgery is considered only when conservative treatment fails.
24. How does Dr. Vishal Sahni treat golfer’s elbow differently from tennis elbow?
Although both conditions involve tendon injuries, Dr. Sahni tailors treatment based on the location of pain, affected muscles, and patient activity level, ensuring condition-specific rehabilitation.
25. Can Dr. Vishal Sahni treat chronic tennis elbow pain?
Yes. Dr. Sahni has experience in managing chronic tennis elbow cases where pain has persisted for months, helping patients regain strength and function without unnecessary surgery.
26. Are non-surgical treatments effective under Dr. Vishal Sahni’s care?
Yes. Most patients experience significant improvement with non-surgical treatment under Dr. Sahni’s guidance, including physiotherapy, lifestyle correction, and modern pain management methods.
27. Does Dr. Vishal Sahni recommend physiotherapy for elbow pain?
Physiotherapy is a key part of treatment. Dr. Sahni recommends condition-specific physiotherapy programs designed to strengthen the forearm muscles and support tendon healing.
28. How soon should I consult Dr. Vishal Sahni for elbow pain?
Early consultation is recommended if elbow pain lasts more than a few days, keeps recurring, or affects daily activities. Early treatment leads to faster recovery and better outcomes.
29. Can office-related elbow pain be treated at London Orthopedic Clinic, Nagpur?
Yes. Dr. Sahni regularly treats elbow pain caused by prolonged computer use, poor posture, and repetitive work among office professionals.
30. Does Dr. Vishal Sahni treat sports-related tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Yes. Dr. Sahni treats elbow injuries in recreational and professional sports players, focusing on safe recovery and return to activity.
31. Why should I choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow treatment in Nagpur?
Dr. Vishal Sahni combines international training, focused expertise in elbow disorders, personalised care, and modern treatment techniques, making him a trusted choice for elbow pain treatment in Nagpur.