A routine question asked is how is golfer’s elbow different from tennis elbow? The answer is location and specific muscle(s) involved.

With tennis elbow the outer elbow muscles (a.k.a. the wrist extensors) become irritated or strained. This happens with repetitive motions/activities involving usage of this muscle group. Activities such as typing on a computer and gripping/twisting are common aggravating factors.

A similar cause is to blame for golfer’s elbow, however the muscle group now is the wrist and finger flexors. This also tends to be a repetitive strain type injury but could be semi-traumatic in nature. For example, accidentally grounding a golf swing could generate enough force of strain or injure the inner elbow. This may immediately stop the individual from swinging a club or it could take a few hours before limiting the person’s activities.

Regardless, the good news is, golfer’s elbow is treatable. In most cases people with this injury will be able to resume their activities pain-free in a matter of weeks with proper treatment. Only a small percentage will require an extended period off and/or require surgery due to extensive injury.

How is it treated?

In most cases, rest from activity (for a short period of time) and rehab will help a person recover quickly. Rehab includes instruction in the proper stretching and strengthening exercises to restore balance to the forearm. And then education on proper muscle loading. This piece is often ignored and is why symptoms last longer than maybe they should.

What about heat/ice or NSAIDs?

Heat or ice may make it feel temporarily better but will not dramatically shift the healing and recovery curve. NSAIDs, while they potentially have the ability to reduce pain or influence swelling (if present) have been found to potentially negatively influence the healing properties of muscles and tendons (1-3). As a result, careful consideration for how much and for how long these medications are taken.

The Bottom Line:

While different in terms of muscle/tendon group involved both Golfer’s elbow and Tennis elbow will respond well to treatment. The best advice is to seek treatment early so that a quicker time to recovery happens…so that many weeks of good weather play golf or tennis can be had.

References:

1.Chan KM and Fu SC. Anti-inflammatory management for tendon injuries – friends or foes? Sports Med Arthrosc Rehabil Ther Technol. 2009; 1: 23.

2.Patel DS and Adrian BA. Do NSAIDs Impair Healing of Musculoskeletal Injuries? J Musculoskel Med. 2011;28:207-212

3. Su B, and O’Connor JP. NSAID therapy effects on healing of bone, tendon, and the enthesis. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2013 Sep;115(6):892-9. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00053.2013. Epub 2013 Jul 18.