Elbow pain can affect anyone who regularly uses their hands and arms for repetitive movements, not just athletes. Jobs like typing, lifting, or tool work can put continuous stress on the elbow tendons. Two of the most common conditions seen in such cases are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Despite their similar names, each condition affects separate tendon groups and causes discomfort in distinct parts of the elbow.

If you’ve been struggling with elbow discomfort that won’t go away, it’s best to consult a tennis elbow specialist in Mumbai or an experienced elbow pain orthopaedic doctor in Mumbai for a proper evaluation and treatment.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs due to overuse of the muscles that straighten the wrist and fingers. This overuse can lead to small injuries in the tendons that attach near the outer part of the elbow. It often affects people who perform repetitive gripping or wrist movements.

Common symptoms include:

• Discomfort on the outer side of the elbow
• Warmth or aching that may spread into the forearm
• Weakness when lifting or gripping objects
• Symptoms that worsen with repeated activity and ease with rest

Because the pain builds up slowly, people often mistake it for general fatigue or muscle strain.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, by contrast, affects the tendons attached to the inner side of the elbow. The pain is usually a result of repeated wrist flexing, squeezing, or rotating motions.

Typical signs of golfer’s elbow include:

• Aching or sharp pain near the bony bump on the inner elbow
• Stiffness or discomfort when gripping, throwing, or lifting
• Weak hand strength or tingling that extends along the inner forearm

Identifying where the pain starts and what motions trigger it helps guide the right diagnosis.

Key Differences Between Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

• 
  Tennis Elbow: Pain originates on the outer elbow
• 
  Golfer’s Elbow: Discomfort is focused on the inner elbow
• Both are forms of tendon overload, but they involve opposite muscle groups and respond differently to activity.

Diagnosis and When to See a Specialist

A physical examination, combined with questions about your daily routine, is often enough to diagnose the condition. Your doctor may also perform resistance tests or suggest imaging to rule out other problems like arthritis or nerve compression.

For ongoing or worsening symptoms, visit the best elbow surgeon in Mumbai to explore advanced solutions and avoid long-term damage.

Treatment Options

Most cases improve with a tailored, step-by-step approach that includes:

• Modifying daily activities to reduce strain
• Applying cold compresses to calm inflammation
• Using medications to ease pain and swelling
• Using supportive straps or braces can help reduce strain on the irritated elbow tissues.
• Undergoing physiotherapy to restore flexibility and motion
• Considering regenerative treatments such as PRP for chronic cases

If conservative methods fail to provide relief over time, surgery may be considered to repair damaged tissue or release tight tendons.

For long-term cases of inner elbow pain, golfer’s elbow treatment in Mumbai is available through minimally invasive procedures that focus on restoring function and strength.

Prevention and Recovery Tips

Once the pain is under control, certain habits can help reduce the risk of recurrence:

• Begin activities with a proper warm-up.
• Use proper technique and ergonomics when lifting or typing.
•  Gradually improve wrist and forearm stability through controlled strengthening routines.
• Avoid overuse and rest between intensive tasks.
•  Don’t ignore minor aches; acting quickly can stop the problem from getting worse.

Getting expert guidance from a tennis elbow specialist in Mumbai ensures your recovery is smooth and personalised to your lifestyle.

FAQs

• Q1: Can tennis elbow heal without surgery?
  Yes. Most cases improve with conservative care like rest, physiotherapy, and bracing. Surgery is only considered when symptoms don’t improve after several months.
• Q2: When should I consider surgery for golfer’s elbow?
  Surgery may be needed if pain continues despite non-surgical treatment or if elbow movement becomes severely restricted