Tennis Elbow or Something Else? Differentiating Between Common Elbow Injuries

Elbow pain can significantly impact your daily activities, from lifting objects to simply typing on a keyboard. While tennis elbow is a well-known cause of discomfort, other injuries and conditions can mimic its symptoms. Accurately identifying the issue is the first step toward effective treatment. Let’s explore how to differentiate between tennis elbow and other common elbow injuries.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons on the outer part of the elbow become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive strain. It’s characterized by:

• Pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

• Discomfort when gripping or lifting objects.

• Weakness in the forearm and difficulty performing wrist-related movements.

Other Common Elbow Injuries

Here’s a look at some conditions often mistaken for tennis elbow:

1. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

• Location: Pain is felt on the inner side of the elbow, rather than the outer side.

• Cause: Overuse of the muscles that control wrist flexion and grip.

• Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, particularly during wrist flexion or gripping activities.

2. Elbow Bursitis

• Location: Swelling or pain at the back of the elbow.

• Cause: Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac) due to repetitive pressure, trauma, or infection.

• Symptoms: Visible swelling, tenderness, and difficulty bending the elbow fully.

3. Radial Tunnel Syndrome

• Location: Pain in the forearm or along the top of the elbow.

• Cause: Compression of the radial nerve near the elbow.

• Symptoms: A dull ache along the forearm, with weakness in hand or wrist extension.

4. Olecranon Stress Fractures

• Location: Pain at the bony point of the elbow.

• Cause: Repetitive stress or trauma, common in athletes.

• Symptoms: Swelling, pain during elbow extension, and difficulty bearing weight on the arm.

5. Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

• Location: Pain or tingling along the inner elbow, forearm, and into the ring and pinky fingers.

• Cause: Compression of the ulnar nerve, often from prolonged elbow flexion or pressure.

• Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected fingers and hand.

How to Differentiate Between These Conditions

1. Location of Pain

   • Tennis elbow involves the outer elbow.

   • Inner elbow pain typically points to golfer’s elbow or ulnar nerve issues.

   • Pain at the back of the elbow is likely bursitis or a stress fracture.

2. Type of Activities

   • Activities involving wrist extension or gripping point to tennis elbow.

   • Wrist flexion discomfort suggests golfer’s elbow.

   • Numbness or tingling often indicates nerve entrapment.

3. Swelling or Visible Changes

   • Swelling is more common with bursitis or fractures than tennis elbow.

4. Sensory Changes

   • Tingling or numbness is a hallmark of nerve-related conditions like ulnar nerve entrapment.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your elbow pain persists, worsens, or includes numbness, weakness, or visible swelling, it’s time to consult a professional. At Sport and Spine Physiotherapy, we can perform a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the cause and create a tailored treatment plan to get you back on track.

Conclusion

Elbow pain isn’t always tennis elbow. By understanding the symptoms and causes of various elbow conditions, you can take the right steps toward effective treatment. If you’re unsure about the source of your discomfort, reach out to us for expert guidance and support.