Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis elbow is one of those problems that seems small until you try to pick up a coffee cup. The outside of your elbow aches, and it flares when you grip, twist a doorknob, or shake someone's hand. And here's the funny part. Most people who come to Hanson Chiropractic Center with tennis elbow don't play tennis at all.

What tennis elbow feels like

The pain sits on the bony spot on the outside of your elbow. It might spread down your forearm toward your wrist. Gripping things hurts, and so does lifting with your palm facing down, like picking up a gallon of milk or a skillet. Some people notice their grip feels weaker, too.

Golfer's elbow: the same problem on the inside

If the pain sits on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow, that's golfer's elbow. It hurts when you grip, make a fist, or bend your wrist forward, and it can send pain down the inside of your forearm.

On the course, it often flares after hitting the ground hard at impact, a lot of fat shots, or a long session at the range. Off the course, carrying heavy bags with your palm up, lifting weights, and long hours with hand tools can cause it too. The tendon and the treatment are close cousins of tennis elbow, so everything below applies to both.

What causes tennis elbow

The muscles that bend your wrist back all attach to one small tendon at the outside of your elbow. When you grip and twist over and over, that tendon gets irritated and starts to break down a little. Hammering, painting, raking, using a mouse for hours, playing guitar, and long rounds of pickleball are all common culprits. A sudden jump in activity, like a weekend spent on a deck project, can set it off too.

That's also what tendinitis means in general: a tendon that's sore from more load than it was ready for. We see the same thing in wrists, shoulders, knees, and the Achilles tendon above the heel.

How we treat tennis elbow

First we press around the elbow to find the exact sore spot, test your grip, and check how your wrist and elbow move. We also check your neck and shoulder, since nerve irritation there can cause elbow and forearm pain that feels a lot like tennis elbow.

Treatment usually means working on the tight forearm muscles that pull on the tendon, along with gentle adjustments to the elbow and wrist when they're stiff. Massage and laser therapy can help calm the area. If the tendon has stayed sore for months, shockwave therapy is sometimes an option.

The other big piece is exercise. Slowly strengthening the forearm muscles teaches the tendon to handle load again, and we'll show you exactly how to do it at home.

Easing tennis elbow at home

Lift with your palm facing up when you can. It takes a lot of strain off the sore tendon. Use both hands for heavy things. Wrap tape or foam around thin handles on tools and pens so you don't have to squeeze as hard. If you're at a computer all day, keep your wrist straight on the mouse and take short breaks to open and close your hand.

A forearm strap worn just below the elbow helps a lot of people get through the workday. Ice for 10 to 15 minutes can calm a flare-up after a long day.

When to see a doctor right away

Get checked right away if your elbow looks out of place after a fall, if you can't bend or straighten it, or if it swells up fast. An elbow that's hot, red, and swollen with a fever needs a doctor the same day. MedlinePlus has more on tennis elbow if you'd like to read further.

Questions about tennis elbow

Do I have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?

No. Most people we see with tennis elbow have never picked up a racket. Hammering, painting, using a mouse all day, gardening, and carrying heavy bags with your palm down are much more common causes.

How long does tennis elbow last?

It's a slow healer. Mild cases can settle in a few weeks, but a lot of people deal with it for months, especially if they keep doing the motion that caused it. Getting started on care sooner usually helps it settle faster.

Should I wear a brace?

A forearm strap, the kind that wraps just below the elbow, helps a lot of people get through the day with less pain. It takes some of the pull off the sore tendon. It's worth trying, alongside the exercises that help the tendon heal.

What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow hurts on the inside. Both are tendon problems from repeated gripping and wrist motion, and we treat them in similar ways.

Should I stop using my arm?

Not completely. Back off the motion that hurts most, but keep your arm moving. Total rest can leave the tendon weaker. We'll show you which exercises help it heal.

Can a chiropractor help with tendinitis in other places?

Yes. We also see sore tendons in the wrist, shoulder, knee, and Achilles. The approach is similar: find what's overloading the tendon, ease the tight muscles around it, and build strength back up.

Can I use a tennis elbow strap for golfer's elbow?

Yes. It's the same kind of strap. Wear it an inch or two below the elbow, with the pad over the sore muscles on the inside of your forearm instead of the outside. Snug, not tight.

What's the fastest way to get rid of golfer's elbow?

There's no overnight fix, but you'll heal fastest if you cut back on what's aggravating it, use a strap, and start the right strengthening exercises early. Hands-on care to loosen the forearm and get the wrist and elbow moving well helps too. Waiting it out while you keep playing is what usually makes it drag on for months.

Can a chiropractor treat golfer's elbow?

Yes, and we see it often. We loosen the tight forearm muscles, get the elbow and wrist moving well, and give you strengthening exercises so the tendon can handle your swing again. Results vary from person to person.

This page is general information and doesn't replace advice from your doctor. Results vary from person to person. If your hand goes numb or tingles, see our page on carpal tunnel and wrist pain. For other sore joints, visit our joint pain page, or fill out your new patient paperwork before your first visit.