Golfer's and Tennis/Pickleball Elbow Defined

 

Golfer’s elbow and Tennis/Pickleball elbow are similar, except that golfer’s elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow and tennis elbow occurs on the outside of the elbow. Both conditions are a type of tendonitis, which literally means, “inflammation of the tendons”.

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Golfer's Elbow

 

Golfer’s elbow, also called Medial Epicondylitis, is a painful condition occurring from repeated muscle contractions in the forearm that leads to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony prominence that is felt on the inside of the elbow.​).
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Golfer’s elbow is usually caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that control wrist and finger movement, but may also be caused by direct trauma, as experienced with a fall, car accident, or work-related injury.

 

Tennis and Pickleball Elbow

 

Tennis and pickleball elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is a painful condition of the elbow caused by overuse. Not surprisingly, playing tennis or other racquet sports can cause this condition. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. The forearm muscles and tendons become damaged from overuse (repeating the same motions again and again), which leads to pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.​​​
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Recent studies show that tennis and pickleball elbow are often caused by damage to a specific forearm muscle. The extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle helps stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. When the ECRB is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle, which leads to inflammation and pain. This can occur during a tennis groundstroke, for example. The ECRB may also be at increased risk for damage because of its position, because as the elbow bends and straightens, the muscle rubs against bony bumps which can cause gradual muscle wear and tear over time.