Doc! My Elbow Hurts: Differentiating Tennis Elbow From Golfer’s Elbow

Lateral and medial epicondylitis are the fancy medical terms for the more commonly known conditions of tennis and golfer’s elbow, respectively.  These diagnoses can sometimes be confusing for patients at the clinic since oftentimes, they report having never picked up a tennis racket or golf club before.  In fact, although the sport demands of both tennis and golf can certainly cause these elbow injuries, they are often not the causative factor at all.

Both of these conditions are a result of repetitive strain and overuse in the muscles and tendons of the forearm, and diagnosis depends heavily upon whether the forearm flexors or extensors are involved. 

Do you have elbow pain? Let’s keep reading and find out if you may be suffering from one of these nagging conditions!

Lateral Epicondylitis

Also known as tennis elbow, this injury normally has a gradual onset and involves the dominant arm in the majority of cases. It is best described as pain and tenderness over the lateral/outside aspect of the elbow, radiating into the forearm, and pain/weakness occurs on resisted extension of the wrist. Jobs involving repetitive heavy lifting, the use of heavy tools, movements of the arm in awkward positions (overhead, or squeezing/twisting movements) are often responsible for the onset of this condition.

Medial Epicondylitis

Also known as golfer’s elbow, this condition also has a gradual onset and is described by patients as pain and tenderness found over the medial/inside aspect of the elbow, radiating into the forearm. Pain is aggravated by resisted wrist flexion. An associated ulnar neuropathy may cause decreased sensation and/or tingling in the 4th and 5th fingers and, in more severe cases, muscle weakness in the hand. This condition is often caused by repetitive use involving grasping/gripping, throwing, computer use, gardening, cooking, painting, use of vibrating tools, etc.

 

Treatment Options at Toner Chiropractic

Here in the clinic, Dr. Toner uses a combination of different therapy methods to treat the muscles and tendons (and sometimes joints and nerves) involved in both tennis and golfer’s elbow. Treatment may include: soft tissue therapy, medical acupuncture, kinesiotaping, mobilizations/manipulation of the elbow joint and stretching/strengthening exercises as well as ice therapy at home. Dr. Toner may also recommend that her patients modify or avoid the activities that caused the injury or movements that exacerbate the symptoms for a few weeks.  The tendons may require time to rest and heal while undergoing therapy. 

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate!  Give Dr. Toner a call. Whether your elbow is slowing you down at work, home, or the gym, she welcomes the opportunity to get you back on your game, pain free, and feeling well!  

 

Toner Chiropractic and Wellness Centre | Saint John