Quick answer. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse tendinopathies of the tendons attaching to the outer and inner elbow. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow; golfer’s elbow on the inside. Both come from repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movements, not only sport. The reassuring news is that most cases are self-limiting and settle over weeks to months with relative rest, activity modification, physiotherapy and eccentric strengthening exercises, with a counterforce brace for support. Steroid injections give short-term relief but may not improve long-term outcomes. See a doctor if pain follows an injury, wakes you at night, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness.
Living with joint, back or bone pain that won’t settle?
Message our care team on WhatsApp. Tell us what’s going on and we’ll help you find the right best orthopaedic clinic — free, with no obligation.
Chat with our care team on WhatsAppNot sure who to see? Find the right specialist →
In a medical emergency, or for severe or sudden symptoms such as breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or stroke signs, call 995 immediately.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are among the most common causes of elbow pain seen in Singapore, affecting office workers, manual workers, parents and weekend athletes, not just racquet or golf players. Both are overuse tendinopathies: tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the outer elbow, while golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects those on the inner elbow.
Despite being painful and sometimes persistent, these conditions are usually self-limiting and improve with patience and the right rehabilitation rather than aggressive treatment. This guide explains how to tell them apart, what genuinely helps, why injections need caution, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor.
At a glance
| Feature | Tennis elbow (lateral) | Golfer's elbow (medial) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain location | Outer (lateral) bony point of the elbow | Inner (medial) bony point of the elbow |
| Aggravated by | Gripping, lifting, wrist extension (e.g. lifting a cup) | Gripping, wrist flexion, repeated forearm rotation |
| Common triggers | Repetitive gripping/typing, racquet sports, DIY | Repeated gripping/throwing, golf, manual lifting |
| Typical first-line care | Relative rest, physiotherapy, eccentric exercises, counterforce brace | Relative rest, physiotherapy, eccentric exercises, counterforce brace |
What these conditions are
Both are tendinopathies – chronic changes and microscopic tears in the tendon where forearm muscles attach to the elbow, caused by repetitive overload rather than a single injury. In tennis elbow the affected tendon is usually the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) on the outer elbow; in golfer’s elbow it is the flexor-pronator tendons on the inner elbow. The word “itis” implies inflammation, but the main problem is degeneration of the tendon, which is why rest alone is often not enough and loading exercises help.
Symptoms and how to tell them apart
- Tennis elbow: pain and tenderness over the outer bony prominence of the elbow, worse with gripping, lifting (e.g. a kettle or cup) or straightening the wrist against resistance.
- Golfer’s elbow: pain over the inner bony prominence, worse with gripping, bending the wrist down, or twisting the forearm.
- Pain may radiate down the forearm and grip can feel weak because of pain.
- There is usually no bruising or major swelling; if present, another diagnosis should be considered.
Most cases are self-limiting
It is worth setting expectations: both conditions tend to improve on their own over weeks to several months, especially once the aggravating activity is reduced. The aim of treatment is to ease pain and speed recovery, not to chase a quick fix. Persistent or recurrent cases usually reflect ongoing overload or inadequate rehabilitation rather than a need for surgery, which is rarely required.
What actually helps: rest, physiotherapy and exercises
- Relative rest and activity modification: reduce, but do not completely stop, the activities that hurt; correct technique and ergonomics (workstation, racquet grip, lifting habits).
- Physiotherapy: guided stretching and progressive strengthening.
- Eccentric exercises: slow, controlled lengthening of the forearm muscles is a well-supported way to remodel the tendon over time.
- Counterforce brace: a forearm strap worn just below the painful area can offload the tendon during activity.
- Simple measures: ice and over-the-counter pain relief for flare-ups.
Injections and other options: use with caution
For pain that does not settle, doctors may discuss further options, but with realistic expectations:
- Corticosteroid injection: can provide short-term pain relief, but evidence suggests it may not improve longer-term outcomes and some studies show higher recurrence, so it is used selectively.
- Shockwave therapy (ESWT) or platelet-rich/autologous plasma injections are sometimes offered for stubborn cases.
- Surgery is reserved for the small number of cases that fail prolonged conservative treatment.
When to see a doctor
Seek medical assessment if:
- The pain followed a fall, blow or twisting injury to the elbow.
- You have night pain, a burning sensation, numbness, tingling or weakness, which may suggest nerve involvement rather than simple tendinopathy.
- There is significant swelling, locking, or inability to straighten the elbow.
- Pain persists or worsens despite several weeks of appropriate self-care and physiotherapy.
Self-management and a realistic recovery timeline
These tendon problems test your patience, so it helps to know what recovery usually looks like. Many people improve over several weeks to a few months once the aggravating load is reduced, though it is normal to have good and bad days along the way. At home, modify rather than completely stop activity: change your grip on tools and racquets, use both hands for heavy lifts, take regular breaks from typing, and check your workstation set-up. A forearm counterforce strap worn during activity can offload the tendon. The most useful long-term step is progressive, controlled strengthening, especially slow eccentric exercises, ideally guided by a physiotherapist so the load increases sensibly.
Questions to ask your doctor or physiotherapist
- Is this tendinopathy, or could a nerve or joint problem be contributing?
- Which specific exercises should I do, how often, and for how long?
- Should I use a brace, and when?
- What activities should I modify rather than stop completely?
- If a steroid injection is offered, what are the trade-offs for me?
Common questions
Should I rest completely until the pain goes?
Usually not. Relative rest plus graded loading exercises tends to work better than full rest, which can leave the tendon weak and deconditioned.
Are steroid injections a good idea?
They can ease pain in the short term but may not improve longer-term outcomes and are linked with higher recurrence, so they are used selectively.
When should I worry?
See a doctor if the pain followed an injury, wakes you at night, or comes with numbness, tingling or weakness, which may point to nerve involvement.
Related guides
- Best Orthopaedic Clinics in Singapore — our editorial shortlist
- orthopaedic clinics directory
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Scoliosis
Sources
- SingHealth – Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
- HealthHub – Sprains and Strains / Sports Injuries
- HealthXchange (SingHealth) – Bones, Joints, Shoulder, Elbow & Hands
- SingHealth – Sports Related Injury resources
Part of our Bones, joints, spine & sports guides · Browse all health topics