You don’t have to be Roger Federer or Tiger Woods to have one of these issues. Even if you have never served a tennis ball or picked up a golf club, you can still suffer with Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow. There are similarities between the two conditions in that both are overuse injuries that involve a repetitive action of the arm and/or wrist. They also have similar symptoms in that both are usually constant and can feel like an ache and sometimes a burning sensation. Both also often occur between the ages of 30-50 but this is where the differences end.
What Is the difference?
The main difference between the two conditions is that one is experienced on the outside the the elbow and one is experienced on the inside. This is due to which group of muscles the repetitive action is placed upon. These groups of muscles experience small micro tears within the tendon which then in turn causes inflammation and pain.
Tennis elbow is often experienced more by people who hold their wrists in and extended positions, such as typing or by using handheld tools such as a screwdriver or drawing. Whereas Golfer’s Elbow is often caused more by gripping actions, such as cricket, golf and ironically, tennis.
What else could my elbow pain be?
- Osteoarthritis- most common form of arthritis. involves wearing of cartilage and can result in severe pain within joints
- Rheumatoid Arthritis- An inflammatory condition that can cause pain within joints and other tissues in the body
- Osteochondritis dissecans- cracks in cartilage within joints which tends to form in young athletes, particularly adolescent gymnasts
- Radial tunnel syndrome- a dull, aching pain at the top of the forearm due to excess pressure on the nerve.
Can they be treated?
Both Tennis and Golfer’s are treated regularly and very good results are achieved through a range of osteopathic techniques, dry needling/medical acupuncture and exercise prescription. Aiming to regularly stretch both your wrist and forearms is also very good at helping to manage and prevent either of these conditions relapsing. It is also advised in the most acute of episodes to use an icepack on the painful area and anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce inflammation within the area. Always adhere to the recommended dosage.
If you feel this might be something you are suffering with, book an appointment at The OsteoSuite today on 07804907281 or press “BOOK NOW” at the top of the page and we will get to the bottom of your pain.
