What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain on the outside of your elbow. It occurs when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow become overused or strained.
What causes it?
Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it. It’s usually caused by repetitive arm and wrist movements, such as:
What does it feel like?
Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
- Reduced grip strength (e.g., difficulty holding a cup)
- Pain that worsens when lifting, gripping, or twisting your wrist
Why does it happen?
Tiny tears can develop in the tendon (particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis) due to repeated stress. Over time, this may lead to inflammation and pain.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a condition that causes pain on the inside of your elbow. It’s similar to tennis elbow, but affects a different set of tendons.
What causes it?
Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons attaching your forearm muscles to the inner elbow become irritated from repetitive use. Common causes include:
What does it feel like?
Typical symptoms include:
- Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Stiffness or difficulty bending your arm
- Reduced grip strength
- Tingling or numbness that may extend into the ring and little fingers
Why does it happen?
Small tears can form in the tendons from repeated stress, particularly in muscles responsible for wrist flexion and forearm rotation. Over time, this may contribute to pain and inflammation.
Key Differences at a Glance
Simple Self-Check (Rough Guide Only)
This is not a substitute for a professional assessment, but as a general guide:
- Pain when lifting your wrist up against resistance → may be more consistent with tennis elbow
- Pain when curling your wrist down against resistance → may be more consistent with golfer’s elbow
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to have your symptoms assessed by a qualified health professional.
General Management Approaches
Management for both conditions is often similar and may include:
- Relative rest and reducing aggravating activities
- Ice application
- Physiotherapy and progressive strengthening exercises
- Bracing if appropriate
Note: If you are considering medication such as anti-inflammatories, please consult your GP or pharmacist for personalised advice.
How May Chiropractic Care Help?
Chiropractors take a whole-body approach and may assess not just the elbow, but also the wrist, shoulder, and neck. They may use joint mobilisation techniques aimed at improving movement in these areas, which may help reduce load on the elbow.
Chiropractors may also look at contributing factors such as:
- Desk ergonomics
- Sports technique (e.g., tennis swing or golf grip)
- Repetitive work habits
Addressing these factors may support recovery and help reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Individual results vary, and a thorough assessment will help determine the most appropriate care plan for your situation.
Total Health