Pain or tenderness in the elbow that radiates down the forearm could signify a golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow. And you don’t even have to have picked up a golf club or tennis racket to experience it. These are both common overuse injuries.
What are Overuse Injuries?
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are overuse injuries caused by a repetitive movement that strains the elbow. As you can probably guess, the sports they’re named for frequently cause these types of injuries. Both are related to movements similar to gripping clubs or rackets while moving the arm.
Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are both forms of a condition called epicondylitis. This is an inflammation of the tendons around the elbow. There are some key differences between golfer’s and tennis elbow, though.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow affects the inner side of the arm and elbow. As a result, you may feel pain or tenderness that radiates down your arm from the inside of your elbow. It can also cause weakness in your hand and wrist, as well as numbness or tingling in your fingers.
Gripping, twisting, or flexing your wrist — all common movements when playing golf — may exacerbate the discomfort.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow differs from golfer’s elbow because it affects the outside of the elbow. You may feel pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm. Your arm may feel weak. You may notice weakness or pain, especially when you trip to grip things or twist. Tennis players often notice these symptoms with backhand strokes.
Managing Elbow Pain
There are a number of things you can do to help ease the pain associated with elbow pain caused by overuse injuries:
- Rest. Take a break from the activity that led to your injury to give your elbow and arm time to heal. Depending on the severity of your injury, this could take several weeks before symptoms ease completely.
- Apply ice, wrapped in a towel, or cold packs to help reduce inflammation and swelling.
- Try over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
- Wear an elbow brace. These products can help stabilize an injured joint to prevent further problems while you go about your daily activities. A brace can also help by applying compression, which can ease discomfort.
Exercises
After inflammation goes away, you can try gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles. Be sure to consult your doctor or therapist before beginning therapy exercises.
- Towel Twist
- Hold a towel with both hands, shoulders relaxed. Twist the towel with both hands in opposite directions. Repeat ten times in both directions.
- Fist Clench
- Hold a soft object, such as therapy putty or small ball, and squeeze and hold for 10 seconds. Release and repeat ten times with both arms.
- Finger Stretch
- Place a rubber band around your thumb and fingers and cup your hand. Spread your thumb and fingers apart and back together. Repeat ten times, once or twice a day.
If the pain persists despite these measures, you may need to talk with your healthcare provider about some additional interventions. Some patients benefit from cortisone shots or physical therapy. Most people don’t need surgery for these injuries, though it may be an option for persistent cases.
As with other sports-related problems, you may be more prone to golfer’s or tennis elbow as you get older, if you’re out of shape or if you have a history of injury in that joint.
If a sports injury has sidelined you, you may find relief from using a brace or support, such as the ones available from Simply Medical.