Do you have Tennis or Golfers Elbow? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
If you’re experiencing elbow pain, it could be due to lateral or medial epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, respectively. Both conditions are forms of tendonitis that result from overuse, but they affect different parts of the elbow. At Haven Home Physio, we often help clients manage these painful conditions through personalized in-home physiotherapy. Let’s dive into the key differences, causes, symptoms, and how treatment can help you recover.
What is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, involves inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It’s caused by repetitive motions that strain the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to micro-tears. Though it’s called tennis elbow, you don’t need to be a tennis player to experience this condition. People who perform repetitive gripping or twisting motions—such as carpenters, painters, or even office workers using a computer mouse—are susceptible.
Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis:
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Weakened grip strength
- Pain that worsens with forearm activity, especially gripping or lifting objects
- Difficulty performing everyday tasks like shaking hands or turning a doorknob
What is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)?
Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Like tennis elbow, it’s caused by repetitive stress, but it specifically involves activities that require forceful wrist and finger motions. While golfers are prone to this condition, it also affects anyone engaging in repetitive wrist flexing or forearm rotation, such as weightlifters, baseball players, or even those doing manual labor like plumbing or construction.
Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Pain that radiates down the forearm to the wrist
- Weakness in the hand and wrist
- Difficulty flexing the wrist or clenching a fist
Causes of Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis
Both conditions result from repetitive strain and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Poor posture, improper technique, or inadequate warm-up during physical activity can also contribute to tendon overloading. Other risk factors include:
- Age: These conditions are more common in individuals between 30-50 years old.
- Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive motions, such as manual labor or office work, can increase your risk.
- Hobbies: Sports or activities involving repetitive arm and wrist movements can trigger these injuries.
Treatment Options at Haven Home Physio
If you’re suffering from tennis or golfer’s elbow, it’s crucial to address the condition early to prevent further injury. At Haven Home Physio, we offer tailored in-home treatment plans designed to help you recover in the comfort of your own space. Here’s how our physiotherapists can help:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
We start with a thorough assessment of your symptoms and a review of your medical history. Our physiotherapists will identify the cause of your pain, evaluate your movement patterns, and test your strength to diagnose the specific form of epicondylitis.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques, such as soft tissue mobilization and joint manipulation, can help reduce pain, improve range of motion, and promote healing. Our therapists use gentle manipulation to reduce inflammation and tension in the affected muscles and tendons.
3. Exercise Prescription
A tailored exercise program is crucial for recovery. We will guide you through specific strengthening and stretching exercises targeting the affected muscles to restore balance and prevent recurrence. These exercises can be done at home, allowing you to progressively regain function while minimizing strain on the tendons.
4. IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)
We may also suggest the use of Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) as part of our treatment approach. IMS involves the use of acupuncture-like needles to release tight muscles and reduce tension around the affected area. It can be highly effective in relieving pain and improving muscle function, especially in chronic cases of lateral or medial epicondylitis.
5. Ergonomic Advice and Activity Modification
Our physiotherapists will provide guidance on modifying your daily activities to avoid aggravating the injury. This may include ergonomic adjustments for workstations, proper technique for sports or physical activities, and strategies for reducing strain on the elbow.
Comparison of Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow)
| Aspect | Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) | Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow) |
|---|---|---|
| Location of Pain | Outer part of the elbow | Inner part of the elbow |
| Affected Tendons | Tendons connected to muscles that straighten the wrist and fingers (outside of the elbow) | Tendons connected to muscles that bend the wrist and fingers (inside of the elbow) |
| Common Causes | Repetitive gripping, twisting, or vibrations from activities like tennis, painting, carpentry, or using power tools | Repetitive wrist bending, forearm rotation, or vibrations from activities like golfing, weightlifting, or using power tools |
| Symptoms | Pain on the outside of the elbow, weakened grip, worsened pain with forearm activity | Pain on the inside of the elbow, pain radiating down the forearm, difficulty bending the wrist |
| Activities Linked to Condition | Tennis, racquet sports, manual work with repetitive wrist or arm motions | Golf, baseball, weightlifting, other activities requiring wrist bending or forearm rotation |
| Treatment Focus | Strengthening muscles that straighten the wrist, stretching, reducing inflammation, IMS | Strengthening muscles that bend the wrist, improving flexibility, reducing strain, IMS |
Preventing Future Injuries
To avoid a recurrence of lateral or medial epicondylitis, it’s important to take preventative steps:
- Warm up properly before physical activities.
- Strengthen forearm muscles with regular stretching and conditioning exercises.
- Maintain good posture and ergonomic practices, especially in repetitive tasks.
- Rest and allow adequate recovery between activities that strain the elbows.
Conclusion
Lateral and medial epicondylitis can significantly impact your quality of life, making simple tasks difficult and painful. Fortunately, with the right treatment approach, recovery is achievable. At Haven Home Physio, we specialize in providing personalized, in-home care to help you recover from elbow pain and regain function. If you’re dealing with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, contact us today to schedule an assessment and start your journey toward pain relief.
