Determining whether you have golfer's elbow or tennis elbow can be quite the conundrum, but fear not! The key difference lies in the location of the pain and both conditions stem from overuse. For a proper diagnosis, though, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional who can serve up the right treatment plan for your pesky elbow woes.
And is it possible to have these conditions if you have never set foot on the court? YES! Golfer's elbow and tennis elbow are like the freeloaders of the injury world; they don't need an invitation to the sports court party to make an appearance. These conditions sneak up on people who overdo it with any activity that involves gripping or swinging! It turns out, repetitive motions are the real culprits behind these ailments, not just the sports they're named after. Let’s take a look at golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow to see how these conditions differ and how they are alike.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. Any repeated arm movement can inflame your tendons, making it the most common cause of elbow pain. It can affect people of any age, but it most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 30 and 60.
Symptoms
The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness in the bony knob on the outside of your elbow, where the injured tendons connect to the bone. The pain may also radiate into your upper or lower arm. You may experience the following symptoms if you have tennis elbow:
· Mild elbow pain that gradually worsens
· Pain extending from the outside of the elbow down to the forearm and wrist
· A weak grip
· Increased pain when shaking hands or squeezing an object
· Pain when lifting something, using tools, or opening jars.
Who’s at Risk?
Of course, those who play racket sports like tennis, racquetball, pickleball, lacrosse, etc. But also, people with jobs that require repetitive bending and straightening of the arm may also experience tendonitis in their elbow. Examples may include carpentry, cooking, painting, and climbing.
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. Also referred to as pitcher’s elbow, tendinosis, and epicondylalgia, golfer’s elbow is a condition that arises from overuse of the forearm muscles. It's not just golfers who experience this; anyone who engages in repetitive wrist and forearm movements can be affected.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this condition, as you know, usually involve experiencing pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. Also, stiffness and weakness in the hands and wrists, and in some cases, numbness or tingling in the fingers. Other symptoms that you may experience are:
· Reduced strength compared to your usual ability when holding something or making a fist.
· Pain that radiates down your arm, which can worsen when you bend your wrist, twist your forearm, or hold objects.
· Increased pain when you lift a heavy object with your palm facing upward.
Who’s at Risk?
Athletes are at risk due to factors like incorrect technique, training mistakes, inadequate equipment, and deficits in strength, endurance, or flexibility. Occupation-related risks include heavy labor, repetitive motions, high body mass index, smoking, comorbidities, and significant psychosocial job demands. Tobacco use and type 2 diabetes mellitus are general risk factors, while obesity increases the risk for women.
Diagnosis
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow may be on different teams when it comes to elbow woes, but they both play the same game when it comes to diagnosis. A thorough physical examination is key, where a doctor will check for tenderness and swelling in specific areas of the arm. They may also perform tests to assess the pain and range of motion. In some cases, an MRI can provide detailed images of the elbow's interior to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Preventative Strategies
Avoiding the dreaded golfer's and tennis elbow is all about mastering the art of form. It's the secret sauce to keeping those muscles happy and strain-free while you play. So, remember, it's not just about hitting the ball; it's how you hit it that counts!
Also, selecting the appropriate gear for your body type and sport can help avoid injuries. Tennis players might discover that adjusting their racket size and string tension can reduce forearm muscle strain. Similarly, golfers may benefit from switching to a newer, lighter set of golf irons if they are using older, heavier ones.
And do not underestimate the power of a simple pre-activity routine in preventing tennis or golfer's elbow. Just a smidge of stretching and flexing, especially in the forearm region, can work wonders. And, giving those forearm muscles and wrists a good stretch post-workout can really loosen things up. Beefing up those arm and forearm muscles is key to keeping that elbow joint as steady as a rock. Check out this link from Alberta Health Services for some specific stretches and strengthening exercises fort the wrist, the forearm and the upper arm!
Experiencing pain? Remember, if pain crashes your party while you're in action, hit the brakes and give RICE therapy a go to nip those symptoms in the bud. And no, we’re not talking about feasting on rice. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation!
And when you resume the activity, ease into it slowly to avoid re-injuring yourself.
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