Anyone who has ever suffered from elbow pain knows how annoying and limiting it can be. Your daily activities, hobbies and even work can suffer greatly. Two common causes of elbow pain are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. But what exactly is the difference between these two injuries? Are they actually sports injuries? And more importantly, how can you treat and prevent them?
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain on the outside of your elbow. It is often associated with tennis, but can also arise from other activities where you repeatedly use your arm and wrist, such as painting, typing or heavy lifting.
Symptoms of tennis elbow:
- Pain on the outside of your elbow
- Weakness in your forearm and wrist
- Pain when lifting or holding objects
- Difficulty stretching your arm
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar overuse injury, but the pain is on the inside of your elbow. This injury is often seen in golfers, but can also occur in activities such as throwing, lifting or using hand tools.
Symptoms of golfer's elbow:
- Pain on the inside of your elbow
- Weakness in your hand and wrist
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Tingling or numbness in your fingers
What could be causes of tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
Both conditions are caused by repetitive movements that overload the tendons around your elbow. Factors such as poor technique, insufficient warm-up and using the wrong tools can increase the risk. Age also plays a role; these injuries are more common in people aged between 30 and 50.
How can physiotherapy help?
Our physiotherapists are happy to work with you! After making a diagnosis, we start with a personalised treatment plan. Exercise therapy is an important part of this. Together with the physiotherapist, but also at home, you can work on strengthening the tendons and muscles around the elbow. This not only improves the load capacity of your tendons, but also helps to reduce pain.
Need help? Get in touch!
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can be annoying, but with the right knowledge and treatment, you can quickly regain pain-free movement. Recognise the symptoms, take preventive measures and consult a physiotherapist for a personalised treatment plan. Don't keep walking around in pain, but tackle the problem at the source. You can contact with us by calling 085-5000333 or mail to info@friskfysio.nl.
