Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow: Two Common Overuse Injuries
Why these two conditions happen at the elbow even though the muscles involved work the wrist.
Before this: The Elbow: An Overview
You will be able to
- Distinguish lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) from medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) by location.
- Explain why these conditions are named after the elbow despite involving wrist muscles.
- Describe the general rationale for eccentric loading exercises in managing them.
⚠ Safety note
Eccentric wrist loading exercises are a common, well-supported approach for these conditions, but persistent or worsening elbow pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than self-managed indefinitely.
Same idea, opposite sides
- Lateral epicondylitis ('tennis elbow') involves the tendons of the wrist EXTENSOR muscles, which
attach at the outer (lateral) epicondyle of the humerus.
- Medial epicondylitis ('golfer's elbow') involves the tendons of the wrist FLEXOR muscles, attaching
at the inner (medial) epicondyle.
Despite the sport-specific nicknames, both are common in many repetitive gripping or wrist-motion activities — not just tennis or golf.
Why eccentric loading helps
Both conditions are commonly addressed with eccentric exercises — slow, controlled lengthening of the affected tendon under load. This approach is widely used in tendon rehabilitation generally, not just at the elbow, to build the tendon's capacity to handle load over time.
Sources for this lesson
“Lateral and medial epicondylitis are common tendon overuse conditions of the elbow, often managed with eccentric loading exercise.”
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases — NIH / NIAMS · Sports Injuries
Government / official guideline · License: Public domain (U.S. government work) unless otherwise noted. · Last checked 2026-07-19
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