Golfer's and Tennis Elbow: Difference and Treatment
Fzt. Bilal Kara · 1 September 2026 · 3 min read
Even though their names come from sport, tennis and golfer's elbow are seen most often in people who don't play sport: computer users, repair workers, people doing housework. Both are wear from overuse of the tendons that attach to the bony bump on the elbow — just on different sides.
What's the difference?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). The pain is on the outer side of the elbow. It strains the muscles that lift the wrist upward and grip. It increases when holding and lifting something, or opening a jar.
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). The pain is on the inner side of the elbow. It affects the muscles that bend the wrist. It becomes pronounced when shaking hands or carrying weight.
In both, the problem isn't in the joint — it's overload at the point where the tendon meets the bone.
Comparison
| Topic | Tennis elbow | Golfer's elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Location of pain | Outer side of the elbow | Inner side of the elbow |
| Affected muscles | Lift/grip the wrist | Bend the wrist |
| Aggravating movement | Gripping, lifting | Firm grip, carrying weight |
| How common | More common | Rarer |
What helps?
- Relative rest — reducing the movement that causes pain, but not avoiding using the arm entirely.
- Applications that manage pain in the acute phase.
- Graded loading — this is the real driver of healing. Working the tendon in a controlled way with gradually increasing load speeds up repair.
- Exercises that condition the wrist and grip strength.
- An elbow strap/brace where needed; adjusting habits and equipment (mouse, keyboard, racket grip).
Extra considerations for athletes
In racquet sports (tennis, badminton), technique errors (especially wrist position on the backhand) and racket grip thickness can trigger the complaint. In golf, hitting off a hard surface and club grip thickness play a similar role. An exercise programme done without reviewing equipment and technique falls short in preventing recurrence.
It requires patience
These conditions take time — weeks, sometimes months. The most common mistake is returning fully to the old load once pain eases; while the tendon isn't ready yet, this brings the complaint back. A cortisone injection can bring short-term relief, but since repeated use alone can weaken the tendon long-term, the decision should be made with a physician.
When is assessment needed?
Elbow pain that doesn't resolve within a few weeks, that also hurts at night, or that causes weakness or numbness in the hand should be assessed; nerve compression can sometimes give a similar picture.
Frequently asked questions
Does tennis elbow resolve on its own?
In mild cases it can ease somewhat with rest, but the lasting solution comes from graded loading. Left untreated, the complaint can persist for months.
Is wearing an elbow strap enough?
The strap can reduce pain and load to some degree but doesn't strengthen the tendon on its own. It should be used together with an exercise programme.
Fzt. Bilal Kara resolves the source of loading in elbow pain and runs a programme in person that gradually prepares the tendon for load again. You can find more detail on tennis elbow treatment here.
