Pain in the elbow can be due to a tennis elbow or a golfers elbow. Even though the pain can be present in tennis players and golfers it can also occur in persons who do not take part in either of the sports.
Tennis elbow
This is also known as lateral epicondylitis where the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. This is due to small tears in tendons of muscles that attach to the outer aspect of the elbow. Pain can also radiate to the back of the forearm and as a result the grip on that side can be weak and could generate pain in the elbow. The onset of pain is gradual. It’s mainly due to over loading of the tendons attached to the outside of the elbow. Overloading can occur due to repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm. Other than the tennis players people such as carpenters, painters, butchers and plumbers can develop the pain.
Pain typically radiates from outside of the elbow to the wrist and the forearm. Specially when holding a cup of tea, gripping an object, turning a door knob.
Risk factors
Age 30-50 yrs,
Occupations listed as above
Sports such as Tennis with a poor technique.
Diagnosis
Mainly by physical examination. Outer aspect of the elbow is very tender when pressure is exerted.
Treatment
Simple analgesics
If the pain persists corticosteroid injection to the elbow.
This has a good outcome.
Surgery
Release of tennis elbow in a rare case
Golfers elbow
Also known as medial epicondylitis causes pain in the inside of the elbow.
Similar to the tennis elbow but the pain is in the opposite sides of the elbow. Symptoms are similar to the tennis elbow with pain in the wrist and forearm. It’s not limited to golfers or tennis players. Anyone who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers can get it
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness. Typically starting in the inner aspect of the elbow goes down the inner of the forearm to the wrist.
Stiffness of the elbow
Weakness in the hand and wrist
Numbness and tingling of the ring and small finger.
Causes
Playing golf
Racket sports
Throwing sport like Javelin
Professions such as carpentry, plumbing, painting
Risk Factors
over 40’s
Repetitive movements
Obese
Smoker
Prevention
Strengthening the muscles
Loosening up before the sport
Using proper technique in sport
Diagnosis
Physical examination and eliciting tenderness in the inner bone of the elbow.
X-rays and MRI not needed
Treatment
Conservative management ie rest, brace, ice
Analgesics
Injection into the site
Surgery - rarely needed