What’s the Difference?
Both injuries are forms of elbow tendonitis involving weakness in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow. Both injuries stem from overuse and repetitive arm and wrist motions.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are comparable injuries with similar symptoms. Fortunately, there are key details that distinguish the two.
Tennis Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, affects the tendons connecting the lateral, or outer, forearm muscles to the elbow. Its distinguishing characteristic is pain that radiates outside the elbow and forearm.
Other symptoms of tennis elbow can include:
- Inflammation or swelling around the elbow
- Pain when grabbing objects
- Burning sensation or aches that travel to your wrist
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons that connect the inner forearm muscles to the elbow. Pain from golfer’s elbow is present on the inside of your elbow and arm.
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow may include:
- Weakness through the arm
- Pain that radiates into the fingers (ring and little finger)
- Tenderness within the inner elbow
Avoiding Elbow Tendonitis
Tendonitis injuries like golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are common and easily treatable. However, you will want to treat it right away to avoid a more severe injury. Try implementing these three tips into your lifestyle or fitness routines to help reduce your risk of developing tendonitis.
- Fix Your Form: If you are an athlete, it is crucial to learn the proper techniques to avoid traumatic and overuse injuries. Even if you are not an athlete, practicing proper posture and ergonomics can reduce your chances of getting tendonitis.
- Check Your Equipment: If you are working out, make sure the equipment you use is the right weight and fit. Properly fitted equipment can help protect you from injuries. Avoid using poorly fitted equipment or lifting weights that are too heavy or large, as this can impact your form and may lead to muscle imbalances and overuse injuries.
- Strengthen Your Muscles: Strength training your wrist, arm, and shoulder can help protect your elbow from unwanted injuries, including tendonitis. Perform targeted elbow exercises and stretches to help you get rid of lingering stiffness and improve your range of motion.
Get Elbow Pain Relief with Airrosti!
Although it is most common in the elbows and shoulders, tendonitis can develop anywhere tendons connect muscle to bone. It is important to treat signs of tendonitis as soon as you start noticing symptoms to avoid a more significant injury by seeking professional help. Fortunately for you, Airrosti treats tendonitis!
At Airrosti, our Providers can help dramatically speed up your tendonitis recovery and provide long-lasting pain relief from both golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. Our Providers will diagnose and treat your injury at the source so you can get back to enjoying a pain-free life. Schedule an appointment today!
Airrosti offers both in-clinic and virtual appointments. For more information, call us at (800) 404-6050.
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