Both injuries have confusing names. You don’t need to swing a racket or golf club to get them. They happen when the tendons near your elbow get sore from repeated use. Tennis elbow shows up on the outside. Golfer’s elbow is felt on the inside. That’s the main difference, but both can make simple movements feel like a big chore.
Signs of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow feels like an ache or burn on the outside of your elbow. You might notice:
- Pain when lifting even light things
- Weak grip
- Morning stiffness
- Pain spreading into the wrist or hand
Patients often say they feel fine until they pick something up, and the sharp pain catches them off guard. Even shaking hands or opening a jar can be difficult when the tendon is irritated.
Signs of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow sits on the inner side of the elbow. Symptoms include:
- Tenderness near the bump on the inside
- Pain running into the forearm
- Trouble making a fist or shaking hands
- Soreness when turning a doorknob or twisting the wrist
It doesn’t always come from swinging a club. Many people get it from everyday motions like carrying groceries, gardening, or even typing for long hours without breaks.
When to See Someone
Elbow pain has a way of sneaking into your routine and slowly making more and more things uncomfortable. If you’ve had pain for weeks or if it keeps coming back once you think it’s gone, it’s time to have it looked at. We remind patients that early treatment usually means less time stuck with pain.
Treatment at Modern Medicine of Gilbert, AZ
We don’t treat every case the same. Your plan is built around your pain level, your lifestyle, and your goals. Treatments may include:
- Rest or adjust daily activity so tendons can heal
- Therapy exercises to stretch tight muscles and build strength
- Hands-on treatment to improve mobility and reduce soreness
- Braces or tape for support during activity
- Injections if pain refuses to calm down
We focus on long-term results, not just a quick fix. The idea is to calm the pain, strengthen the area, and make sure it doesn’t come back the minute you return to work or hobbies.
What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery times vary. Some people feel better after a few weeks of therapy, while others may need a couple of months to really notice lasting changes. Progress isn’t always a straight line, and it’s normal to have good and bad days. We talk patients through those ups and downs so they don’t get discouraged along the way.
Don’t Let Elbow Pain Control Your Day
At Modern Medicine of Gilbert, AZ, we see people in Gilbert who just want to get back to normal without nagging pain in the elbow. If that’s you, we’re here to help. Call today and let’s start the process of making your elbow strong again.