The main difference is where pain is felt
Tennis elbow is the common name for lateral epicondylitis. Symptoms are usually centred on the outside of the elbow, close to the bony prominence called the lateral epicondyle. Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, usually affects the inner side, close to the medial epicondyle. Both involve the area where forearm tendons attach around the elbow, but they affect different tendon groups.
The names can be misleading. You do not need to play tennis or golf to develop either problem. Repeated gripping, lifting, tool use, racquet sports, throwing and changes in work or training load may all contribute. Pain location is a useful clue, not a diagnosis: nerve irritation, arthritis, sprain and other conditions can also cause elbow or forearm pain.
Typical tennis elbow symptoms
Tennis elbow commonly causes tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Pain may spread down the outer forearm and become more noticeable when gripping, lifting a kettle, shaking hands, opening a jar or extending the wrist against resistance. Grip can feel weaker because these movements load the irritated area.
Symptoms often build gradually after repeated activity, but can follow a sudden increase in workload. The elbow may still move normally, and visible swelling is not always present. Severe swelling, deformity or inability to move after an injury is not typical and needs assessment.
Typical golfer's elbow symptoms
Golfer's elbow tends to cause pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. It can be aggravated by gripping, wrist bending, throwing or lifting with the palm turned upwards. Symptoms may extend along the inner forearm. Some people also notice reduced grip confidence.
Tingling into the ring and little fingers should not automatically be attributed to golfer's elbow because the ulnar nerve passes close to the inner elbow. Persistent tingling, numbness or hand weakness deserves professional assessment.
How the conditions are assessed
A physiotherapist, GP or other healthcare professional will usually ask where the pain began, which movements provoke it, what work or sport is involved and whether there was a specific injury. Examination may include tenderness, wrist and elbow movement, grip, muscle strength, nerve function and circulation. Imaging is not needed for every case, but may be considered when the history or examination suggests another cause.
Activity changes and recovery
For mild symptoms without warning signs, temporarily reducing the activity that repeatedly aggravates pain can be sensible. This does not always mean complete rest. Adjusting grip size, technique, workload or recovery time may reduce strain while maintaining comfortable movement. A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief, taking medical history and other medicines into account.
Recovery is often gradual rather than immediate. If an activity repeatedly produces a marked increase that does not settle, reduce the load and seek advice. A physiotherapist may suggest progressive exercises once it is appropriate.
Can the same elbow strap be used for either?
An epicondylitis strap is worn around the upper forearm below the elbow, with its pressure pad positioned on the relevant muscle area. Products may be described for both tennis and golfer's elbow, but the pad position differs because symptoms are on opposite sides. The strap should be firm and comfortable, not tight enough to cause tingling, colour change or coldness.
A strap can alter load through the forearm muscles during activity, but it does not confirm the diagnosis or heal every source of elbow pain. If a clinician has fitted one, follow their positioning and wearing advice.
When should you seek help?
Seek urgent advice after injury if the elbow looks deformed, is extremely painful, cannot be moved, or there is major swelling, numbness or colour change. A hot, red and swollen joint with fever also needs prompt assessment. Arrange a routine appointment if pain is worsening, keeps returning, limits normal activity, includes persistent tingling or weakness, or is not improving after several weeks of sensible self-care.
Sources and further guidance
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain
- Royal Orthopaedic Hospital: Golfer's elbow
- The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust: Epicondylitis brace
This guide provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice.
