Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. Despite the name, only 5% of cases occur in tennis players. It is common in painters, plumbers, and those doing repetitive forearm movements.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Golfer’s elbow affects the inner side of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Less common than tennis elbow, it affects golfers, baseball pitchers, and those doing repeated wrist flexion.
Symptoms
Tennis Elbow
- Pain and burning on outer elbow
- Weak grip
- Pain worsened by shaking hands, turning keys, or lifting
Golfer’s Elbow
- Pain and tenderness on inner elbow
- Pain extending to forearm
- Stiffness and weakness in the hand
Treatment
Conservative Treatment (First Line)
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice application
- NSAIDs for pain relief
- Forearm brace/counterforce strap
- Physiotherapy: eccentric exercises, ultrasound therapy
- Corticosteroid injections for short-term relief
- PRP injections for persistent cases
Surgical Treatment
Arthroscopic or open lateral/medial epicondyle release is reserved for cases not responding to 6–12 months of conservative treatment.
Specific Exercises for Recovery
- Wrist extensor eccentric exercise (for tennis elbow)
- Wrist flexor eccentric exercise (for golfer’s elbow)
- Forearm pronation/supination with light resistance
Expert elbow pain treatment at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
