Author: Timothy Iorio, MD
Suffering from Tennis or Golfers’ Elbow? How To Get Back on the Court or Course
Is elbow pain keeping you from playing tennis or golf? You do not have to be Roger Federer or Tiger Woods to get tennis or golfers’ elbow. These conditions can be caused by many different jobs or activities that involve repetitive gripping or lifting, like washing windows, painting, or typing on a computer. Most cases of tennis and golfers’ elbow are actually due to activities unrelated to sports.
What is Tennis and Golfers’ Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfers’ elbow (medial epicondylitis) are conditions where the forearm tendons that attach to the outside or inside of the elbow become damaged due to overuse. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow while golfers’ elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. When you repeatedly use your arm, wrist, or hand to grip, swing, twist, or lift, your tendons can develop small tears that cause elbow, forearm, or wrist pain.
Tennis and Golfers’ Elbow Treatments
Many cases are preventable. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Rest (avoiding activity that causes pain)
- Bracing (elbow or wrist)
- Stretching
- Therapy and Dry Needling
- Over-the-counter medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, topicals)
- Possible steroid injections
Ways to Prevent Tennis or Golfers’ Elbow
Many cases are preventable. Here are a few prevention tips:
- Stretch and Warm Up Properly
- Work on Your Form
- Use the Right Sports Equipment
- Do Strength Training
- Appropriate Rest and Recovery