Elbow pain can be a frustrating and limiting condition, affecting everything from your work to your hobbies. At the practice of Dr. James C. Walter, serving patients in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, we specialize in providing accurate diagnoses and effective treatment for a wide range of orthopedic conditions, including those affecting the elbow. While many people have heard of “tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow,” it’s crucial to understand that they are distinct conditions with different causes and symptoms. Dr. Walter and our dedicated team are committed to helping you find lasting relief from elbow pain, enabling you to return to your active lifestyle and enjoy the activities you love, whether it’s playing a round of golf at a local course or simply enjoying everyday tasks without discomfort. This comprehensive guide will explain the differences between these common elbow ailments and outline effective treatment options.
Elbow Pain Confusion: Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow Explained
Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries that affect the tendons in your elbow, but they differ in location and the specific tendons involved.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): With tennis elbow, the pain is primarily felt on the outside (lateral) of the elbow. This condition affects the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). These muscles are responsible for extending your wrist and fingers. Repetitive gripping, wrist extension, and forearm rotation, common in activities like tennis (especially backhands), painting, carpentry, and computer use, can contribute to tennis elbow.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): In contrast, golfer’s elbow causes pain primarily on the inside (medial) of the elbow. It affects the tendons that attach the forearm flexor muscles to the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). These muscles are responsible for flexing your wrist and fingers. Repetitive wrist flexion, gripping, and forearm pronation, often seen in golfing (especially the downswing), weightlifting, hammering, and throwing, are common causes.
Deciphering the Symptoms: Recognizing the Differences
While both conditions cause elbow pain, there are key differences in where and how the pain presents.
- Tennis Elbow Symptoms: Typically include pain and burning on the outer elbow, pain that radiates down the forearm and into the wrist and hand, weak grip strength, and pain when gripping objects, twisting the forearm, or extending the wrist.
- Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms: Usually involve pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, pain that radiates down the forearm and into the wrist and hand, weak grip strength, and pain when making a fist, flexing the wrist, or twisting the forearm.
Effective Treatment Options: Finding Relief and Healing
At the practice of Dr. James C. Walter, we offer a range of treatment options for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, tailored to the severity of your condition and your individual needs.
- Non-Surgical Treatments: For many patients, non-surgical approaches are effective. These include rest, avoiding activities that aggravate the pain; applying ice packs to reduce pain and inflammation; using elbow straps or braces to provide support and relieve tendon stress; physical therapy to strengthen forearm muscles, improve range of motion, and promote healing; and medications, such as over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered, but their long-term use is typically limited. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which utilizes your body’s own healing factors to promote tissue repair and reduce pain, is another promising option.
- Surgical Treatment: Surgery is rarely necessary and is typically considered only when non-surgical treatments have failed to provide relief after a prolonged period. The surgical procedure involves removing the damaged portion of the tendon.
Why Choose Dr. James C. Walter for Your Elbow Pain?
Dr. James C. Walter is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating elbow conditions. We offer accurate diagnosis through a thorough evaluation to determine the precise cause of your elbow pain. We then develop personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and goals. We prioritize conservative care, focusing on non-surgical treatment options whenever possible, but we also provide advanced surgical techniques for optimal outcomes when surgery is necessary. Above all, we are committed to providing a supportive and caring environment for our patients.
Don’t let elbow pain limit your life. Contact the practice of Dr. James C. Walter today for a consultation.