Despite the sport-specific names, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can affect anyone whose daily activities involve repetitive gripping or wrist motion — not just athletes. Both conditions cause pain around the elbow, but they involve different tendons and slightly different symptom patterns. Here's how to tell them apart and what kind of bracing support can help.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Overview
Tennis elbow involves inflammation or irritation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow, where forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers attach to the bone. It typically causes pain on the outside of the elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions — activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or using hand tools can all aggravate it.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Overview
Golfer's elbow is similar in nature but affects the tendons on the inner part of the elbow, where the muscles that flex the wrist attach. Pain from golfer's elbow is typically felt on the inside of the elbow and can worsen with gripping or flexing motions, such as swinging a golf club, throwing, or repetitive lifting with a bent wrist.
Key Symptom Differences
The clearest way to distinguish between the two is pain location — tennis elbow causes outer elbow pain, while golfer's elbow causes inner elbow pain. Both conditions typically develop gradually from repetitive strain rather than a single acute injury, and both can cause weakened grip strength as symptoms progress.
How Compression Braces Provide Support
An elbow compression brace, often worn just below the elbow joint, works by redistributing tension away from the irritated tendon attachment point, reducing strain during gripping activities. This type of brace doesn't eliminate the underlying irritation but can meaningfully reduce pain during daily tasks and activity.
Many compression braces feature an adjustable strap that lets you fine-tune pressure over the affected tendon, which can be useful as symptoms improve and you gradually resume more demanding activities.
Activity and Ergonomic Adjustments
Because both conditions stem from repetitive strain, adjusting how you perform aggravating activities — using proper grip technique, taking breaks during repetitive tasks, and evaluating tool or equipment fit — can help reduce ongoing irritation alongside brace use.
When Pain Warrants a Doctor's Visit
If elbow pain persists despite bracing and activity modification, or if grip strength continues to decline, a physician can evaluate the tendon involved and discuss additional conservative options or further evaluation.
Explore RCAI's Elbow Brace Options
RCAI offers elbow compression braces designed to support both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Browse our elbow support collection to find an adjustable option suited to your activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stop all activity with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
Not necessarily, but activities that specifically aggravate symptoms should generally be reduced or modified while the tendon heals, ideally with guidance from a physician or therapist.
How long does it take for an elbow brace to help?
Some people notice reduced pain fairly quickly during aggravating activities, while full symptom improvement, combined with activity changes, can take several weeks.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a physician or orthotist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.