If you’ve been struggling with elbow pain when lifting, gripping, typing, playing sport, or even pouring the kettle, you may have heard the terms tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Despite the sporting names, most people who develop these conditions have never picked up a tennis racket or golf club.
At Prema Health in Portsmouth, we regularly see patients across Hampshire with persistent elbow pain affecting work, exercise, and day-to-day activities. Although tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are similar conditions, they affect different parts of the elbow and often develop from different repetitive movements.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It develops when the tendons that attach to the outer elbow become irritated or overloaded.
The pain is usually linked to repetitive wrist and hand movements, especially gripping or lifting activities. Common triggers include:
- Repetitive computer or mouse use
- DIY and manual work
- Racquet sports
- Weight training
- Repetitive lifting at work
Many people notice pain when shaking hands, lifting a mug, turning a door handle, or gripping objects firmly.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the inside of the elbow instead. It involves irritation of the tendons connected to the muscles used for wrist flexion and gripping.
This condition is often caused by repetitive bending or twisting movements of the wrist and forearm. It can occur in:
- Golfers
- Tradespeople
- Office workers
- Gym-goers
- People involved in repetitive lifting or carrying
Symptoms may include pain on the inner elbow, weakness when gripping, stiffness, or discomfort radiating into the forearm.
The Main Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
The simplest way to tell the difference is by the location of the pain.
Tennis Elbow
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Often worsens with gripping or lifting
- Commonly linked to wrist extension movements
Golfer’s Elbow
- Pain on the inside of the elbow
- Often aggravated by wrist bending or twisting
- Can feel tender when gripping tightly
Although they affect different tendon groups, both conditions are forms of tendon overuse injuries.
Why Do These Conditions Develop?
Despite their names, sport is only one possible cause. In Portsmouth and across Hampshire, many of our patients develop elbow tendon problems from everyday work and lifestyle activities.
Risk factors include:
- Repetitive strain
- Poor lifting technique
- Sudden increases in exercise intensity
- Weak forearm muscles
- Poor workstation ergonomics
- Repeated gripping tasks
Without treatment, symptoms can become chronic and start affecting sleep, work performance, and exercise.
When Should You Seek Treatment?
Mild elbow pain sometimes settles with rest and activity modification. However, you should seek professional assessment if:
- Pain lasts longer than a few weeks
- Symptoms are worsening
- Grip strength is reduced
- You struggle with daily activities
- Rest is not improving symptoms
Early treatment can help prevent long-term tendon degeneration and ongoing pain.
Treatment Options for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
At Prema Health Portsmouth, treatment begins with a thorough assessment to identify the exact source of pain and contributing factors.
Depending on severity, treatment may include:
- Activity modification advice
- Rehabilitation exercises
- Pain management strategies
- Anti-inflammatory treatment
- Injection therapies where appropriate
- Strengthening programmes
The right treatment plan aims to reduce pain while restoring strength and function safely.
Can Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow Heal on Their Own?
Some mild cases improve over time, but tendon injuries can be stubborn. Many people continue aggravating the condition unknowingly through work or exercise, preventing proper healing.
Ignoring symptoms for months can lead to longer recovery times and persistent weakness.
Elbow Pain Treatment in Portsmouth and Hampshire
If you are experiencing ongoing elbow pain, the team at Prema Health can help assess whether you have tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or another underlying condition affecting the joint or tendons.
We provide professional assessment and personalised treatment plans for patients across Portsmouth and Hampshire.
Book an Appointment at Prema Health
If elbow pain is affecting your work, sport, or daily life, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact Prema Health Portsmouth today to arrange an assessment and start your recovery journey.