Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: Key Differences

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common overuse injuries that affect the tendons around the elbow joint. 

The key difference lies in the location of pain:

Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: Quick Comparison

What Is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. It leads to pain on the outer side of the elbow and is commonly linked to repetitive gripping or lifting activities.

Studies such as those published in the World Journal of Orthopedics describe lateral epicondylitis as a degenerative condition of the extensor tendon (especially extensor carpi radialis brevis) due to repetitive overload (1). 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain or burning sensation in the outer elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Difficulty lifting objects
• Pain while extending the wrist
• Discomfort during activities like typing or gripping

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. It occurs due to repeated stress on the wrist flexor muscles, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced strength in the forearm. 

Clinical reviews in the Journal of Orthopaedic Reports note that medial epicondylitis involves micro-tearing and degeneration of flexor-pronator tendons due to repetitive wrist flexion and gripping activities (2). 

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain and tenderness in the inner elbow
• Stiffness in the elbow joint
• Weakness in hands or wrists
• Pain while bending the wrist
• Tingling or numbness in severe cases

Key Differences Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

The difference comes down to where it hurts and which movement triggers it, outer elbow pain linked to extension vs. inner elbow pain linked to flexion.

Pain Location

• Outer side of the elbow → linked to extensor tendon strain
• Inner side of the elbow → linked to flexor tendon strain

Outer-side discomfort may travel down the forearm, while inner-side pain often feels deeper and more localized.

Movement That Triggers Pain

• Pain during lifting, gripping, or wrist extension
• Pain during wrist bending, curling, or forceful gripping

In simple terms, discomfort appears when either extending (lifting) or flexing (bending) the wrist, depending on the side affected.

Muscles Involved

• Extensor muscles → responsible for lifting the wrist and fingers
• Flexor muscles → responsible for bending the wrist and gripping

This difference in muscle groups explains why symptoms show up during different types of movements.

Type of Strain

• Overload from repetitive gripping and lifting
• Overload from repetitive bending and heavy gripping

Both are caused by repeated stress on forearm tendons, but on opposite sides.

Impact on Daily Activities

• Difficulty with typing, mouse use, light lifting, tool handling
• Difficulty with carrying weight, gym exercises, throwing movements

One tends to affect precision and repetitive tasks, while the other impacts strength-based activities.

Outer elbow pain with extension vs inner elbow pain with flexion—that’s the core difference.

How to Tell If You Have Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow

• If pain is in the outer elbow, it is likely tennis elbow
• If pain is in the inner elbow, it is likely golfer’s elbow
• Pain during gripping or lifting suggests tennis elbow
• Pain during wrist bending or curling suggests golfer’s elbow

A proper diagnosis by a physiotherapist helps confirm the condition and ensures the right treatment approach.

Best Elbow Brace for Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow

A single forearm strap (counterforce brace) can be used for both conditions. The effectiveness depends on correct placement based on the side of pain, not on using different types of braces.

Both conditions involve strain in the forearm tendons near the elbow. A forearm strap works by applying compression to the muscle area, which helps reduce the load on the affected tendon. By slightly adjusting the position of the strap on the forearm, the same brace can support either inner or outer elbow discomfort while allowing normal movement during daily activities.

• One brace works for both conditions
• Placement depends on pain location (inner vs outer side)
• Helps reduce tendon strain through muscle compression
• Supports activity without restricting movement

You can explore dedicated support options for both conditions here:

• Tennis Elbow Support
• Golfer’s Elbow Support

Conclusion

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both caused by repetitive strain but differ mainly in pain location and the muscles involved. Early identification, proper care, and supportive measures can significantly improve recovery and prevent recurrence. Managing workload and using the right support can help you stay active without discomfort.

References

1. Karabinov V, Georgiev GP. Lateral epicondylitis: New trends and challenges in treatment. World Journal of Orthopedics [Internet]. 2022 Apr 18;13(4):354–64. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9048498/ 

2. DeLuca MK, Cage E, Stokey PJ, Ebraheim NA. Medial epicondylitis: Current diagnosis and treatment options. Journal of Orthopaedic Reports [Internet]. 2023 Sep 1;2(3):100172. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2773157X23000449