Elbow Pain: Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow

If you've got pain in your elbow, you might be wondering if you have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. Let's take a quick look at what elbow pain can be, some of the causes, and what you can do about it.

Elbow Pain from Typing

That nagging pain in your elbow – is it a sports injury? Maybe. But it could also be from that marathon keyboard session or perhaps both. Two common culprits behind elbow discomfort are "golfer's elbow" and "tennis elbow." Despite their names, you don't need to have stepped onto a golf course or swung a tennis racket to experience them.

The Tendon Tango: Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis

At the heart of both conditions is damage to the tendons in your elbow. Now, here's where things get a little technical but important:

• Tendonitis: Think "itis" as "inflammation." Initially, you might experience tendonitis – an inflammation of the tendon, often due to sudden overuse or injury. Came on quickly, and relatively short term.

• Tendinosis: If the pain sticks around and becomes chronic, the issue often shifts to something we call tendinosis. This means the tendon's structure itself has changed at a cellular level. Instead of just inflammation, there can be a breakdown of collagen fibers and disorganized healing. This structural change is why chronic elbow pain can feel different and often requires a longer-term approach than simple rest.

Golfer's Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: Location, Location, Location

The easiest way to differentiate between the two is by where you feel the most pain:

• Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain is typically felt on the inside of your elbow. This is where the tendons that bend your wrist and fingers attach to the bone. Activities that involve gripping or twisting your forearm inwards can aggravate this. Think about the downswing in golf, but also using tools, lifting weights with an underhand grip, or even prolonged keyboard use.

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain is usually on the outside of your elbow. This involves the tendons that extend your wrist and fingers. Activities like the backhand in tennis are a classic trigger, but repetitive wrist extension during tasks like typing, using a mouse, working as a mechanic, or even playing pickleball can contribute.

Beyond the Court and the Course: Everyday Culprits

It's crucial to remember these conditions aren't exclusive to athletes. Repetitive motions and overuse in various activities can lead to these elbow issues, including:

• Work-related tasks: Assembly line work, mechanics, carpentry, and even prolonged computer use.

• Hobbies: Gardening, painting, knitting, and playing musical instruments.

• Other sports: Pickleball, badminton, and weightlifting.

The Chronic Shift: More Than Just Elbow Pain

When elbow pain becomes chronic, it's often a sign that tendinosis has set in. The tendon has undergone structural changes, making it less about simple inflammation and more about tissue degeneration. This is why long-term rest alone might not solve the problem, and a more targeted rehabilitation approach is necessary.

Keep Moving (Smartly): Adapting Your Activities

The good news is that you often don't have to completely give up the activities you love. Instead, making modifications is key. This might involve:

• Adjusting your technique: For example, in sports or when performing work tasks.

• Using ergonomic equipment: Like wrist rests for keyboard use.

• Taking frequent breaks: To avoid prolonged repetitive strain.

• Strengthening and stretching exercises: To support the affected tendons and improve flexibility.

The Importance of a Treatment Plan: Seeking Professional Guidance

Trying to self-diagnose and treat elbow pain can sometimes lead to delayed healing or even worsening of the condition. Seeing a healthcare professional – is important for:

• Accurate diagnosis: To determine if it's truly golfer's or tennis elbow and rule out other potential issues.

• Developing a personalized treatment plan: This will likely involve specific exercises, stretches, and potentially other therapies to address the underlying tendon issues and your specific needs.

• Realistic Timeline: Tendinosis takes time and patience. Because the body needs time to shift the disorganized tendon matrix to a strong and organized tendon -we need 3-4 months of consistent exercises that "load" the tendon -this remodels the tendon.

• Guidance on activity modification: Learning how to continue your activities safely and effectively.

Don't let elbow pain sideline you. Understanding the difference between golfer's and tennis elbow, the shift from tendonitis to tendinosis, and the importance of a tailored approach is the first step towards getting back to doing what you enjoy, pain-free. Reach out and let's get a clear diagnosis and a plan to get you on the road to recovery!