Overview
Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow are caused by overuse of the forearm and hand muscles that results in elbow pain. If the pain is on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow, it is a condition is called Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and if the pain is on the inside (medial) part of the elbow, it is called Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).
It affects the bony area on either the inside or outside of the elbow, where the muscles and tendons of the forearm are attached to.
Symptoms
- Pain around the inside / outside of the elbow
- Pain felt when handling tools and utensils
- Pain with forceful wrist movements:
- Pain when flexing wrist
- Golfer’s elbow
- Pain when extending wrist towards the thumb (laterally)
- Tennis elbow
Treatment
The type of treatment depends on the severity of pain, along with other factors like age, health condition and medical history. Most cases do not require surgery. For minor pains, as the pain comes from small tears along the tendon, it needs rest and time to heal.
The use of a forearm brace can help support the affected muscles. This helps to allow the affected tendons to rest as the “work” is less if a brace is used.
Another treatment option is to attend physical therapy sessions. The physiotherapist will guide you on movements that may help reduce and/or prevent aggravating the pain.
As for the pain itself, it can be managed through painkillers. There are painkillers that are to be taken orally, some applied directly on the skin of the affected region, and injections that can be delivered directly on the site of the pain.