Golfers’ elbow vs tennis elbow is a common comparison because both conditions cause elbow pain, but they affect different tendons and different sides of the joint.
Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow, while tennis elbow causes pain on the outside.
Reading about symptoms can help you understand what may be happening, but it is not a substitute for a proper medical diagnosis.
Always speak with a doctor or qualified health professional before making any decisions about your care.
What are Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are both forms of elbow tendonitis, meaning the tendons around the elbow joint become damaged from repeated strain.
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, targets the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. Despite their names, neither condition is limited to athletes.
Both can develop from repetitive motions that strain the forearm, whether at work or during daily tasks.
The key distinction is location: inner elbow for golfer’s elbow, outer elbow for tennis elbow.
Golfers Elbow vs Tennis Elbow
The simplest way to distinguish between these two conditions is by where the pain occurs.
Both are caused by overuse, both affect the tendons that connect forearm muscles to the elbow, and both can make gripping or lifting painful.
| Feature | Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical name | Lateral epicondylitis | Medial epicondylitis |
| Pain area | Outside of the elbow | Inside the elbow |
| Often worsens with | Gripping, twisting, wrist extension | Gripping, wrist flexion, palm-down wrist motion |
| Pain may travel | Forearm and back of hand | Inner forearm to wrist, pinky-side area |
| Common in | Racquet sports, painters, plumbers, cooks | Golf, throwing sports, weight training, assembly-line work |
Both conditions are more common among people who perform repetitive arm and wrist movements, whether in sports or at work.
Key Differences Between the Two Conditions
Tennis elbow is on the outer elbow; golfer’s elbow is on the inner elbow. They sit on opposite sides of the same joint, which is why people often confuse them. The tendons involved are also different, which is why each condition flares up with different movements.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow develops when the wrist extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow are overused.
These tendons connect the forearm muscles that lift the wrist backward. When they are put under repeated stress, small tears form over time.
This leads to pain, tenderness, and a weak grip. Pain from tennis elbow runs along the outside of the elbow and may travel down toward the forearm.
Activities that involve repetitive twisting of the wrist, such as using a screwdriver, are common triggers.
Note: The outer bony bump on the elbow, called the lateral epicondyle, is where the pain is usually most tender with tennis elbow.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow develops when the wrist flexor tendons on the inside of the elbow are overused.
These are caused by overuse of the wrist flexors, the muscles located on the front, inner section of the forearm that help control wrist movement.
When they are strained repeatedly, pain develops on the inner side of the elbow.
The pain can affect the forearm and wrist, and there may also be stiffness and weakness felt in the hand, wrist, and arm. Some people also feel tingling into the ring and pinky fingers.
Note: The inner bony bump on the elbow, called the medial epicondyle, is where pain and tenderness are usually felt with golfer’s elbow.
Comparing Tennis and Golfers’ Symptoms
Both conditions share several symptoms but on opposite sides of the elbow. The table below covers the key differences at a glance.
| Symptom | Tennis Elbow | Golfer’s Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Pain location | Outer elbow | Inner elbow |
| Grip weakness | Yes | Yes |
| Tenderness | Outer bony bump | Inner bony bump |
| Pain during lifting | Yes, especially with the arm extended | Yes, especially with palm down |
| Pain during typing | Yes | Yes |
| Pain with tools | Wrench, screwdriver | Hammer, pliers |
| Pain during sports | Backhand swing, racquet sports | Golf swing, throwing, weightlifting |
| Numbness or tingling | Occasional | More common, especially in the ring and pinky fingers |
If numbness or tingling is present, see a doctor. It may indicate nerve involvement that requires a proper assessment.
Causes and Risk Factors
Both are caused by repetition and overuse and can affect anyone whose work, sport, or daily habits place repeated strain on the wrist and forearm muscles.
- Racquet sports, painting, plumbing, and cooking place repeated strain on the outer elbow tendons through constant gripping and wrist extension.
- Golf, baseball, football, and throwing sports load the inner elbow tendons repeatedly through wrist flexion and follow-through motions.
- Assembly-line work, carpentry, and tool use that involve gripping, twisting, or pulling for hours a day strain both sides of the elbow over time.
- Risk factors shared by both conditions include poor ergonomics, age 40 and older, smoking, obesity, and a history of similar injuries.
- Fewer than 10 percent of people diagnosed with tennis elbow are actually tennis players, which shows how often everyday activities and occupational habits are the real cause.
Both conditions tend to develop slowly. Pain usually starts mild and gets worse the longer the repetitive activity continues without a break or change in technique.
Understanding Pain Patterns at Home
Pain location can help distinguish between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
If the outer side of the elbow hurts when you grip objects or extend your wrist backward, this pattern aligns with tennis elbow.
Conversely, pain on the inner side when you flex your wrist or make a fist is more consistent with golfer’s elbow.
Some people gently press on the bony bumps on either side of the elbow to identify tenderness.
Pain on the outer bump suggests tennis elbow, while pain on the inner bump points to golfer’s elbow. These self-checks provide clues but are not diagnostic tests.
Early symptoms of both conditions can be similar, and other issues, such as nerve irritation or referred pain from the neck, may mimic these patterns. Professional evaluation is always recommended.
When to See a Doctor
Most mild cases of tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow improve with rest and basic self-care over a few weeks. Left untreated, either condition can lead to long-term problems such as limited elbow range of motion, chronic pain, and weakened grip.
The signs below are a clear signal to stop waiting and get a proper evaluation.
- Lasting pain: Pain on either side of the elbow has persisted for more than a few weeks without improvement, even after reducing the activity that caused it.
- Severe pain: Pain came on suddenly or is severe enough to affect sleep, daily tasks, or the ability to carry or grip everyday objects.
- Numbness: Numbness, weakness, or an inability to bend the elbow fully are present alongside the pain, which can point to nerve involvement or a more serious injury.
- Swelling: Visible swelling, redness, warmth, or a change in the shape of the elbow joint has developed, especially if it came with a fever.
- Injury: Pain started after a direct fall, blow, or accident, since a fracture or ligament injury can produce symptoms that look similar to overuse tendon pain.
Pain in the elbow joint or forearm can be a sign of several conditions, so a professional diagnosis is important to confirm which condition you have and to start the right treatment early.
Treatment Options for Both
In chronic cases, these conditions involve tendon degeneration rather than active inflammation, which is why consistent rehabilitation matters more than short-term rest alone.
Ice applied to the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help with pain and swelling in the early stages.
A physical therapist can guide specific stretching and strengthening exercises for the affected tendon.
An elbow brace or strap worn during activity helps offload the tendon.
Both conditions usually resolve on their own, with about 80 to 90 percent of cases improving without surgery.
Most people recover in 3 to 6 months with consistent treatment, though severe or chronic cases can take longer.
Returning to activity too soon is one of the main reasons these conditions come back, so a gradual return is important.
How to Prevent It from Coming Back
Once the pain settles, small habit changes can help reduce the risk of recurrent elbow strain.
These tips apply to both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
- Grip size: Use a comfortable grip that does not make you squeeze tightly.
- Better tools: Choose sports gear or tools that reduce strain during repeated use.
- Short breaks: Rest every 30 to 60 minutes during repetitive work or training.
- Strength work: Do wrist curls and extensions two to three times a week.
- Technique check: Ask a coach, trainer, or therapist to review your movement.
- Work setup: Keep wrists neutral while typing or using a mouse.
Staying consistent with these habits after recovery is what keeps both conditions from coming back. Most people who relapse do so because they return to the same patterns that caused the problem in the first place.
Conclusion
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are both overuse tendon injuries, but they are easy to tell apart once you know where to look.
Tennis elbow hurts on the outer elbow and flares with gripping and wrist extension.
Golfer’s elbow hurts on the inner elbow and flares with wrist flexion and gripping.
The sooner you address the symptoms, the faster recovery tends to be.
If pain has lasted more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or comes with numbness and tingling, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and a clear path forward.
A healthcare provider can confirm which condition you have and give you a treatment plan that fits your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Have Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow at the Same Time?
Yes, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow may both occur at the same time. This is more common in people who perform activities that load both sides of the elbow, such as golfers whose swing mechanics strain the outer tendons.
Which Side of the Elbow Hurts with Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the upper arm near the elbow. The outer bony bump, called the lateral epicondyle, is usually the most tender spot.
Can Golfer’s Elbow Cause Tingling in Fingers?
Yes. Golfer’s elbow can cause numbness or tingling in the fingers, particularly in the ring and pinky fingers. This happens because the ulnar nerve runs close to the inner elbow and can be affected by inflammation there.
