When pain in the elbow makes it difficult to lift, grip, or even perform daily activities, it may not always be due to an injury or accident. Many people, especially those engaged in repetitive activities, suffer from conditions known as Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow. These are among the most common elbow disorders seen in both athletes and non-athletes.
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, under the expertise of Dr. Vishal Sahni, a highly experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon and Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Specialist, patients receive advanced treatment for such conditions. With over 24 years of practice in London and India, Dr. Sahni is known for providing accurate diagnosis, pain-free treatment methods, and faster recovery plans.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are, their causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. This article is written in simple Indian English to help patients, athletes, and families understand these conditions better.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow, medically called Lateral Epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to get this problem. It usually develops due to overuse of the forearm muscles that are attached to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow).
When these muscles and tendons are repeatedly strained, tiny tears occur, leading to inflammation, pain, and weakness. People who use their arms for heavy lifting, repetitive gripping, or computer-related tasks are also prone to Tennis Elbow.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
- Playing racquet sports like tennis, badminton, or squash
- Repetitive wrist and arm movements in jobs like carpentry, plumbing, painting, or typing
- Excessive gripping, twisting, or lifting weights incorrectly
- Poor technique while exercising or playing sports
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain radiating down to the forearm and wrist
- Difficulty in gripping objects or shaking hands
- Increased pain while lifting bags, opening jars, or holding tools
- Weakness in the forearm muscles
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow, medically called Medial Epicondylitis, is quite similar to Tennis Elbow but affects the inner side of the elbow. It occurs due to inflammation or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow).
Again, you don’t need to play golf to suffer from this problem. Anyone performing repetitive wrist flexion (bending the wrist forward) or forearm rotations can develop Golfer’s Elbow.
Common Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
- Playing golf, cricket, or sports that involve repetitive swinging
- Activities requiring constant wrist flexion, like hammering, gardening, or weightlifting
- Using incorrect grip or poor posture in sports or work
- Continuous computer use with improper wrist support
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Pain radiating along the inner forearm
- Discomfort while making a fist or squeezing objects
- Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially in the morning
- Weak grip strength
Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow – The Key Difference
While both conditions are similar and caused by repetitive strain, the main difference lies in the location of pain:
- Tennis Elbow → Outer side of the elbow
- Golfer’s Elbow → Inner side of the elbow
This difference is crucial for diagnosis and treatment, which is why consulting a specialist like Dr. Vishal Sahni, Orthopaedic Surgeon in Nagpur, ensures an accurate approach to management.
Who is at Risk of Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Although athletes are more prone, these conditions are very common in non-athletes as well. Some high-risk groups include:
- Racquet sport players, cricketers, golfers
- Painters, plumbers, carpenters, and gardeners
- Office workers using keyboards and mouse for long hours
- Fitness enthusiasts lifting weights with poor form
- Middle-aged adults between 30–50 years
Diagnosis – How Doctors Identify the Condition
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, diagnosis begins with a detailed physical examination by Dr. Vishal Sahni. He checks for tenderness around the elbow, range of motion, and pain during specific movements.
Sometimes, additional tests are suggested:
- X-rays – To rule out arthritis or fractures
- Ultrasound / MRI scans – To assess tendon damage or tears
- Clinical movement tests – To distinguish between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Correct diagnosis is essential because other conditions like nerve compression or ligament injuries can mimic these symptoms.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
The good news is that both conditions are treatable and most patients recover without surgery if managed early. Dr. Vishal Sahni uses a step-by-step treatment plan depending on severity:
1. Rest and Activity Modification
- Avoiding activities that worsen pain
- Using proper ergonomic setups for desk jobs
- Correcting posture and sports technique
2. Medications
- Anti-inflammatory medicines (as prescribed) to reduce pain and swelling
- Avoiding self-medication is important; always consult a doctor
3. Physiotherapy and Exercises
- Stretching and strengthening exercises for forearm muscles
- Use of resistance bands and gradual loading programs
- Ultrasound or laser therapy for pain relief
4. Braces and Supports
- Wearing an elbow strap or brace to reduce strain
- Supporting the wrist during heavy activity
5. Injections
- Corticosteroid injections for severe pain (in selected cases)
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy – an advanced treatment option that promotes natural healing
6. Surgical Treatment (Rarely Required)
If symptoms do not improve even after 6–12 months of conservative care, surgery may be considered.
- Tennis Elbow Surgery → Removal of damaged tendon tissue
- Golfer’s Elbow Surgery → Repair of torn tendons
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, surgical options are minimally invasive and ensure faster recovery.
Recovery Timeline
- Mild cases: 4–6 weeks with rest and therapy
- Moderate cases: 2–3 months with physiotherapy and lifestyle correction
- Severe cases: 6–12 months, especially if surgery is required
Recovery also depends on following medical advice, doing exercises regularly, and avoiding repetitive strain until fully healed.
Prevention Tips
Prevention is always better than cure. Some simple lifestyle changes can protect you from developing Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow:
- Warm up before sports or exercise
- Use proper technique while lifting weights or playing sports
- Maintain good posture while working on a computer
- Take short breaks from repetitive tasks
- Strengthen forearm muscles with regular exercises
- Use the right equipment (e.g., correct grip size in racquet sports)
Why Choose Dr. Vishal Sahni for Elbow Pain Treatment in Nagpur?
When elbow pain begins to interfere with your daily life, consulting the right specialist is crucial. Dr. Vishal Sahni, a Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist Specialist in Nagpur, brings:
- Over two decades of international and Indian experience
- Expertise in advanced diagnostic and pain-free treatments
- Specialised care for athletes as well as working professionals
- Personalised treatment plans ensuring long-term relief
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dhantoli, Nagpur, patients get world-class facilities, modern physiotherapy support, and surgical expertise under one roof.
Final Thoughts
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are not conditions to be ignored. They may begin as mild pain but can worsen into long-term disability if left untreated. With early diagnosis, proper medical care, and preventive measures, most patients recover fully.
If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain, weakness, or difficulty gripping, it is important to consult a Shoulder and Elbow Specialist in Nagpur. At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Dr. Vishal Sahni provides trusted and advanced care to help you return to a pain-free, active lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the 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 caused by repetitive strain on forearm tendons.
2. Can I get Tennis Elbow even if I don’t play tennis?
Yes. Despite its name, Tennis Elbow is not limited to tennis players. People working on computers, lifting heavy objects, painting, plumbing, or doing any repetitive arm activity can also develop it.
3. What are the early signs of Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
Early signs include mild elbow pain, tenderness around the joint, and weakness while gripping or lifting objects. Pain may gradually worsen if left untreated.
4. How is Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow diagnosed?
Diagnosis is done through a physical examination by a specialist. In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to rule out other conditions and confirm tendon damage.
5. Is surgery always required for Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
No. Most patients recover with non-surgical treatments such as rest, physiotherapy, medication, or injections. Surgery is considered only in severe cases that do not improve after several months of conservative treatment.
6. How long does it take to recover from Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
Recovery depends on severity. Mild cases may heal in 4–6 weeks, while moderate cases take 2–3 months. Severe conditions or surgical cases may take 6–12 months for complete recovery.
7. Can exercises help in treating Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Yes. Specific stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles are essential for recovery. However, exercises should always be guided by a specialist or physiotherapist to avoid worsening the condition.
8. Can Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow return after treatment?
Yes, recurrence is possible if the underlying cause—such as poor posture, improper sports technique, or repetitive stress—is not corrected. Preventive care and lifestyle modifications are important to avoid relapse.
9. Who is most at risk of developing Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow?
Athletes in racquet sports, cricketers, golfers, painters, plumbers, carpenters, gardeners, weightlifters, and office workers who spend long hours typing or using a mouse are at higher risk.
10. When should I see a doctor for elbow pain?
You should consult a Shoulder and Elbow Specialist if you experience persistent elbow pain, weakness, difficulty gripping, or if pain interferes with daily activities. Early treatment ensures faster recovery.