Tennis elbow and golfers elbow are common conditions amoungst sports players, due to overuse or trauma of the arm.
What are the similarities?
Both tennis elbow and golfers elbow are caused by repetitive movements of the arm and can cause pain and discomfort in the elbow and difficulty gripping and twisting the arm.
What are the differences?
Whilst both conditions cause elbow pain, golfers elbow is felt on the inside of the elbow, and tennis elbow is felt on the outside of the elbow.
Tennis elbow affects the muscles used to straighten your fingers whilst golfers elbow affects the muscles used to close your fingers and make a fist.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Difficulty twisting objects
- Trouble extending your fingers
- What are the symptoms of golfers elbow?
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Difficulty lifting objects
- Difficulty twisting objects
- Trouble closing your fingers into a fist
How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golfers elbow?
Looking at the differences above, try and notice if you are experiencing difficulty opening or closing your fist, and if the pain felt is on the inside or outside of your elbow.
Your consultant hand, wrist and elbow surgeon will formally diagnose your condition.
