Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: 7 Important Facts Even Non-Athletes Should Know
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are often thought to be
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are often thought to be problems that happen only to people who play tennis or golf. But that is not true.
In my clinical practice as a Homoeopathic Consultant, I have seen that repetitive use of the hand, wrist and elbow can cause discomfort in many people—not just athletes. 👨⚕️
A homemaker chopping vegetables, a computer professional using a mouse for several hours, a shopkeeper lifting objects, a mechanic working with tools or even someone carrying a child regularly may develop similar elbow problems.
The pain may start slowly and can sometimes be ignored for weeks.
So, what exactly are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow? Why do they happen? And when should you take elbow pain seriously?
Let us understand it simply. 👇
What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow? 💪
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are conditions associated with irritation and overuse of the tendons around the elbow.
Despite their names, you do not need to play tennis or golf to develop them.
🎾 What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow generally causes pain around the outside of the elbow.
It is commonly associated with repeated movements involving the wrist and forearm. Activities such as gripping, lifting, twisting or repeatedly using the hand can put stress on the muscles and tendons attached near the elbow.
⛳ What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow generally causes pain around the inside of the elbow.
It can also develop from repetitive gripping, lifting and wrist movements.
The important point is that both conditions are linked more closely to repetitive strain and overuse than to the sport mentioned in their names.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Can Affect Anyone 👨💻👩🍳
One of the biggest misconceptions is that these conditions belong only to athletes.
In everyday life, our hands and arms perform hundreds of repetitive movements.
For example:
💻 Long hours of computer work
📱 Frequent mobile phone use
🍳 Repeated kitchen activities
🧹 Household cleaning
🛠️ Using hand tools
📦 Repeated lifting and carrying
🎨 Painting or crafting
👶 Frequently carrying a child
🏋️ Repetitive gym exercises
When similar movements are repeated for long periods without enough rest, the tissues around the elbow can become irritated.
This is why even people who have never played tennis or golf can experience these problems.
- What Does Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Pain Feel Like? 🔍
The symptoms can vary from person to person.
With Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow, you may notice:
🔹 Pain around the outside or inside of the elbow
🔹 Tenderness when touching the affected area
🔹 Pain while gripping an object
🔹 Discomfort when lifting something
🔹 Pain while opening a tight jar
🔹 Weakness while holding objects
🔹 Discomfort during wrist movements
🔹 Pain that becomes worse after repetitive activity
Some people describe the pain as a dull ache, while others notice a sharper discomfort during particular movements.
Initially, the pain may appear only during activity. If the repetitive strain continues, it may start interfering with normal daily activities.
- Why Does Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Happen? 🔄
The elbow is a complex joint where several muscles, tendons and bones work together.
The muscles of the forearm help us move the wrist and fingers. Their tendons attach around the elbow.
When these tissues are repeatedly loaded, they can become irritated.
Some common contributing factors include:
💻 Repetitive Work
Typing, using a mouse or performing repeated hand movements for long periods may contribute to forearm strain.
🏠 Household Activities
Cleaning, cooking, washing and lifting can involve repetitive gripping and wrist movements.
🏋️ Exercise
Incorrect technique, sudden increases in exercise intensity or repeated movements may place additional stress on the elbow.
🛠️ Occupational Activities
Workers who regularly use tools or perform repetitive manual tasks may be more likely to experience elbow discomfort.
⏰ Insufficient Recovery
The body needs time to recover after repeated physical activity. Continuously stressing the same area without adequate rest may increase discomfort.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Are Not Always the Same as a Simple Injury ⚠️
A sudden injury to the elbow and repetitive strain are different situations.
If you fall, hit your elbow or suddenly twist your arm, the resulting pain may have another cause.
Similarly, persistent elbow pain should not automatically be labelled as Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow.
Other problems can sometimes cause pain around the elbow, including joint conditions, nerve irritation, muscle problems or injuries.
That is why the location of the pain, how it started and which movements make it worse are important.
🩺 A proper clinical assessment is important when pain continues or interferes with normal activities.
- When Should You Not Ignore Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow? 🚨
Occasional muscle soreness after unusual activity may settle with adequate rest.
But persistent or worsening elbow pain deserves attention.
Consider consulting a healthcare professional if:
⚠️ Pain continues for several weeks
⚠️ The pain is becoming more frequent
⚠️ You have difficulty gripping objects
⚠️ Your arm feels unusually weak
⚠️ Pain is interfering with work
⚠️ Everyday activities are becoming difficult
⚠️ You have swelling or significant tenderness
⚠️ Pain started after an injury
⚠️ You experience numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
⚠️ You cannot move the elbow normally
Do not simply continue working through significant pain.
Your body often gives early signals when a particular movement or activity is placing too much stress on an area.
- How Can You Reduce Everyday Elbow Strain? 🌱
You do not have to stop using your hands completely.
The goal is to become more aware of repetitive movements and give your body appropriate recovery time.
🪑 Take Regular Breaks
If your work involves repetitive hand movements, short breaks can help you change position and relax the muscles.
💻 Check Your Work Position
If you spend many hours at a desk, pay attention to your overall working position. Your chair, desk, keyboard and mouse should allow comfortable movement.
🤲 Avoid Excessive Gripping
Holding objects very tightly for long periods can increase the workload on the muscles of the forearm.
🏃 Increase Exercise Gradually
If you are starting a new sport or exercise routine, avoid suddenly increasing the intensity or duration.
🔄 Vary Repetitive Activities
Whenever possible, alternate tasks instead of repeatedly stressing the same muscles for long periods.
😴 Give Your Body Time to Recover
Rest and recovery are important parts of maintaining healthy muscles and joints.
- Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: Prevention Starts With Awareness 👀
You cannot always prevent elbow problems completely.
However, being aware of your daily movements can make a difference.
Ask yourself:
👉 How many hours do I spend using a computer?
👉 Do I perform the same hand movement repeatedly?
👉 Am I gripping tools or objects very tightly?
👉 Have I recently increased my exercise routine?
👉 Am I continuing an activity despite increasing pain?
👉 Do I give my hands and arms enough recovery time?
Small changes in daily habits can help reduce unnecessary strain.
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: What Should You Remember? 📝
Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow are not conditions limited to tennis players and golfers.
They can occur in people whose daily activities involve repeated gripping, lifting, twisting or wrist movements.
🎾 Tennis Elbow generally affects the outer side of the elbow.
⛳ Golfer’s Elbow generally affects the inner side of the elbow.
💪 Both can be associated with repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons around the elbow.
👨💻 Office workers, homemakers, manual workers and many other people can experience similar problems.
🩺 Persistent pain, weakness, significant injury or difficulty using the arm should be properly evaluated.
Most importantly, don’t ignore a pain simply because you are not an athlete.
Your body does not know whether you play tennis, golf or spend your day working at a computer. It responds to how much stress and repetition you place on it.
👨⚕️ A Doctor’s Message
Elbow pain can seem like a small problem in the beginning.
But when pain repeatedly returns during work, exercise or household activities, it is worth understanding why it is happening.
After 38 years of clinical practice, my advice to patients is simple: listen to your body, avoid unnecessary strain and seek professional guidance when persistent pain starts affecting your daily life.
Good joint health is not only about treating pain. It is also about understanding your body’s movement, respecting its limits and maintaining healthy habits every day. 🌿
📍 👨⚕️ Dr. Rajendra Shrimali, MD (Homoeo.)
Homoeopathic Consultant
🏥 Dr. Shrimali’s Homoeopathic Multispecialty Clinic
1st Floor, Court Road, Kopargaon, Dist. Ahilyanagar (MH)
📞 Phone: 7666360940
📸 Instagram: @dr.rajendra_shrimali
Dr. Rajendra Shrimali, MD (Homoeo.)
Homoeopathic Consultant, Dr. Shrimali's Homoeopathic Multispecialty Clinic, Kopargaon.
