Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Home Care, and Treatment

If the outside of your elbow aches every time you grip a racquet, a golf club, a wrench, or even a coffee mug, you may be dealing with tennis elbow. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. Around Hot Springs, we see it in golfers, tennis and pickleball players, anglers, carpenters, mechanics, and anyone who does a lot of gripping and repetitive arm work.

This post covers what tennis elbow is, its close cousin golfer’s elbow, common causes, what you can do at home, and how it is treated. It is general information, not medical advice for your specific situation.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow pain, involves irritation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. These muscles extend the wrist and fingers and help you grip. When they are overloaded with repeated use, the tendon attachment can become painful.

What about golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is similar but affects the inside of the elbow, where the muscles that flex the wrist attach. Both are overuse problems, and both can show up in golfers, racquet players, and people who work with their hands.

Common Symptoms

• Pain or burning on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow) of the elbow
• Pain that gets worse when gripping, lifting, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob
• Weaker grip strength
• Pain that may spread down into the forearm
• Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

What Causes It?

Repetitive gripping and wrist motion

Doing the same motion over and over, such as swinging a racquet or club, using a screwdriver, casting a fishing rod, or typing and using a mouse, can overload the forearm tendons.

Sudden increases in activity

Playing a lot more golf or tennis than usual, starting a big home project, or a busy season at work can bring on symptoms.

Technique and equipment

Gripping too tightly, a racquet grip that is the wrong size, or a swing that relies heavily on the wrist may add stress to the elbow.

Shoulder and neck involvement

Sometimes stiffness in the neck, upper back, or shoulder changes how the arm moves and puts more demand on the elbow. Pain in the arm can also come from the neck, which is one reason a full evaluation matters.

What You Can Do at Home

• Modify the activity. Reduce or change the motions that cause pain for a while, rather than playing or working through it.
• Ease your grip. Hold tools, clubs, and racquets more loosely when you can, and use your shoulder and whole arm for lifting rather than just the wrist.
• Use ice or heat. Many people find ice helpful after activity and gentle heat helpful for stiffness.
• Try a counterforce strap. Some people find that a forearm strap worn just below the elbow eases pain during activity.
• Take breaks. If you work with your hands or at a computer, short breaks to stretch your wrists and forearms can help.

How It Is Treated

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow often improve with time and the right care, though tendon problems can take weeks to months to fully settle. Care at Lake Hamilton Family and Sports Chiropractic begins with an examination to look at the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck and to rule out other causes of arm pain.

Depending on what Dr. Kight finds, a care plan may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments and mobilization of the elbow, wrist, shoulder, or spine where restricted
• Soft tissue work for tight forearm muscles
• Stretching and gradual strengthening exercises for the forearm
• Guidance on technique, grip, and activity changes

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are among the issues listed on our sports chiropractor page. If your symptoms do not improve with conservative care, we can talk about referral options.

When to Get It Checked

Consider an evaluation if elbow pain lasts more than a couple of weeks, keeps you from your sport or job, or comes with numbness or tingling in the hand. See a medical provider promptly if your elbow is swollen, hot, or deformed, or if pain started with a fall or a pop.

Our Hot Springs office is at 1880 Airport Rd, Suite B, Hot Springs, AR 71913, open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm. Call (501) 762-9648 or request an appointment online.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get tennis elbow if I do not play tennis?

Yes. Most people with tennis elbow get it from work, hobbies, or everyday tasks that involve repeated gripping and wrist movement.

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

It varies. Many cases improve over several weeks to a few months with activity changes and exercise. Longer-lasting cases may need a more structured plan.

Should I keep playing golf or tennis?

It is usually wise to cut back or change your technique while it is painful. Returning gradually, with a looser grip and proper warm-up, can help prevent a flare-up.

Is the pain coming from my neck?

Sometimes arm pain is related to the neck or shoulder. An examination can help sort out where your symptoms are coming from.