[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/golfers-elbow-vs-tennis-elbow-why-your-swing-could-be-the-culprit\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/golfers-elbow-vs-tennis-elbow-why-your-swing-could-be-the-culprit\/","headline":"Golfer\u2019s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: Why Your Swing Could Be the Culprit","name":"Golfer\u2019s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: Why Your Swing Could Be the Culprit","description":"If you play golf or tennis regularly, you may notice a nagging pain in your elbow that doesn\u2019t seem to go away. In many cases, that discomfort is caused by tendonitis\u2014a common condition linked to repetitive motion. While it\u2019s especially common among golfers and tennis players, it can affect anyone who uses their arms in […]","datePublished":"2026-04-08","dateModified":"2026-04-08","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/author\/ceastway\/#Person","name":"Chris Eastway","url":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/author\/ceastway\/","identifier":11,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/007b7979610c70c3cd4b24ed960fb78ff62c0b68401d393e79cb483d56812050?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Southlake Orthopaedics","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/SLO-horizontal-SMSC.png","url":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/SLO-horizontal-SMSC.png","width":2560,"height":496}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1200x628_ElbowBlog_2015154-032012-NEW_1200x6.jpg","url":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1200x628_ElbowBlog_2015154-032012-NEW_1200x6.jpg","height":628,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/golfers-elbow-vs-tennis-elbow-why-your-swing-could-be-the-culprit\/","about":["Southlake Orthopaedics"],"wordCount":649,"articleBody":"If you play golf or tennis regularly, you may notice a nagging pain in your elbow that doesn\u2019t seem to go away. In many cases, that discomfort is caused by tendonitis\u2014a common condition linked to repetitive motion. While it\u2019s especially common among golfers and tennis players, it can affect anyone who uses their arms in repetitive ways.Southlake Orthopaedics fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Jonathon Whitehead shares what\u2019s behind golfer\u2019s and tennis elbow, along with how to treat and prevent it so you can get back to a pain-free swing.What Are Golfer\u2019s Elbow and Tennis Elbow?\u201cIt\u2019s known as golfer\u2019s elbow and tennis elbow, but you can develop either condition from a variety of activities,\u201d says Dr. Whitehead. \u201cIt all comes down to wrist flexion or extension\u2014really, it\u2019s tendonitis where those muscles originate.\u201dGolfer\u2019s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the inside of the elbow. It develops when the muscles that flex the wrist\u2014bringing the hand toward the forearm\u2014become inflamed from overuse.Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow and is typically caused by repetitive, forceful wrist extension, such as during backhand motions.\u201cIt\u2019s not limited to sports,\u201d he adds. \u201cPeople who cook, paint, or do other repetitive arm movements can develop tendonitis as well.\u201dWhen Should You See a Doctor?\u201cA little soreness after playing is normal,\u201d Dr. Whitehead says. \u201cIn many cases, you can manage it at home with rest, ice, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, bracing, and taking a break from activity.\u201dHowever, if the pain starts to show up during play, lingers afterward, or begins to interfere with everyday tasks (like brushing your teeth), it\u2019s a good idea to seek professional care.The good new is that most cases improve without surgery. \u201cAbout 80\u201395% of patients get better over time,\u201d he notes.Physical therapy is often the first step. \u201cPhyscial therapy can be especially helpful because it may include additional treatments like ultrasound therapy, red light therapy, or dry needling to calm inflammation and support healing.\u201dIf symptoms don\u2019t improve, options like corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be considered. In more severe cases, surgery can help remove damaged tissue and repair the tendon.How Can You Prevent It from Coming Back?\u201cOnce you\u2019re feeling better and ready to return to your sport, prevention becomes really important,\u201d says Dr. Whitehead.Often, small adjustments can make a big difference. \u201cIt may be as simple as changing your grip on your racket or club,\u201d he explains. \u201cProper mechanics play a big role. Poor technique is one of the main contributors to tendonitis.\u201dDr. Whitehead also recommends building a consistent routine:Stretch and strengthen your forearms before and after activityKeep up with exercises you learned in physical therapyUse rest, ice, and even massage as part of your regular routine\u201cThese habits can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of the pain coming back,\u201d he says.When Can You Return to Play?Getting back to the activities you love is the goal, and the timeline can look a little different for everyone. \u201cIt really depends on how long you\u2019ve been dealing with the tendonitis and how your body responds to treatment,\u201d Dr. Whitehead explains.Some people start to feel better within a few weeks, while others may need several months to fully recover. \u201cSticking with your treatment plan makes a big difference,\u201d he adds. \u201cThe good news is that most patients recover well without needing surgery.\u201dHow Southlake Orthopaedics Can HelpIf elbow tendonitis is keeping you from playing your best or from enjoying everyday activities, our team at Southlake Orthopaedics is here to help. With expertise across a variety of orthopaedic specialties,\u00a0 we can create a personalized plan to get you moving comfortably again.Reach out today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Golfer\u2019s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: Why Your Swing Could Be the Culprit","item":"https:\/\/southlakeorthopaedics.com\/golfers-elbow-vs-tennis-elbow-why-your-swing-could-be-the-culprit\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]