Many people have heard of and will use terms like ‘tennis elbow’ and ‘golfer’s elbow.’ But what exactly are these conditions?
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both overuse injuries that are caused by any activity that requires repetitive motion of the arm and wrist. The difference between the two conditions lies in where the elbow is inflamed. Both of these conditions are forms of epicondylitis, which is a medical term for inflammation of a tendon that attaches to the bone (epicondyle) of the elbow joint. Tennis elbow will impact the lateral or outside of the elbow and golfer’s elbow will impact the medial or inside of the elbow.
Repetitive motions using forehand/backhand motions are also common in cooks, painters, carpenters, plumbers or computer/mouse work. You can also get this condition from everyday chores such as raking, gardening or chopping wood. “Tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow can prevent you from doing all of these things. That is why it is best to get this condition treated at the onset and not wait until you can no longer cook dinner for the family and are missing days from the office.
Physical Therapy can help with these overuse injuries. Physical therapy can aid in reducing pain and preventing further problems.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis include:
- Pain that radiates from the outside of your elbow and down your forearm and wrist
- Tenderness on the outside of your elbow (may be constant or present with activity)
- Weakness in your forearm or a weak grip
- Pain when reaching, lifting or when you grip things, twist something or if you play tennis, especially with backhand strokes
- Pain when you extend your wrist
Common symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow/ medial epicondylitis include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow
- Pain that radiates down your arm from the inside of your elbow
- Weakness in your hand or wrist
- Numbness or tingling in your ring or little fingers
- Pain when you grip or twist things as is common in a golf swing
- Pain when you flex your wrist
CALL Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at 703-450-4300 if you are dealing with either of these conditions or general pain and discomfort that is impacting your ability to perform your daily activities and hobbies.
CLICK HERE for more information on how physical therapy can help common overuse injuries.
