Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Avid tennis players and golfers know it takes lots of practice to perfect their serves and swings. But it’s easy to overdo it, causing injury to the elbow area through repetitive movements associated with holding and swinging a tennis racquet or golf club. If you’re suffering for your sport and want to help heal a hurting elbow, read on for tips to reduce your discomfort.

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, both forms of tendon injury, are often confused for one another, and you don’t have to play either sport to be affected.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the outer side of your elbow. You may notice pain that begins at the bony bump of your elbow and travels down your forearm. Your grip may be affected, and even shaking hands with someone may be painful.

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inner side of your elbow. You may notice pain in your forearm or weakness in your hand.

Both conditions are caused by overuse of the forearm muscles which puts strain on the associated tendons. Any activity or occupation that involves repetitive motion and puts strain on the tendons and muscles of the forearm puts you at risk for developing tennis or golfer’s elbow. Painters and carpenters, butchers and plumbers, professional golfers and tennis players are all at risk for developing elbow pain. Golfer’s elbow can also be caused by trying to lift too much weight, lifting weights incorrectly (curling the wrists), or using improper form (jerking the weights, rather than lifting smoothly).

Like most injuries that stem from overuse or repetitive movement, rest is the first and most effective step in your recovery regimen. Give your elbows and forearms a break from whatever is making them sore. If you start to hurt while playing, lifting or working, take a break. Anti-inflammatory medications and ice can help reduce inflammation in overworked joints, but it’s best to stop what you’re doing and rest before pain sets in.
Warming up with light cardio and stretching before work or play can help prevent injury. Exercising to strengthen the forearm muscles can also help prevent undue stress on the affected muscles. If you suspect that your lifting or throwing form could use improvement, check with your coach or trainer for help.

Your trainer may suggest using some form of support or compression to help with elbow problems. Elbow straps and elbow supports are convenient, easy to use, and can help keep you on the court, course, or on the job

SOURCES

Mayo Clinic - Golf

Mayo Clinic - Tennis