The main difference
Both conditions involve tendons that attach forearm muscles to the bony bumps on either side of the elbow.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) involves tendons on the outer side of the elbow. OrthoInfo explains that the tendon most often involved belongs to a forearm muscle that extends the wrist and fingers and helps steady the wrist.
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) involves tendons on the inner side. MedlinePlus describes it as pain on the inside of the lower arm near the elbow, where some forearm muscles attach to the bone.
Side-by-side comparison
| Tennis elbow | Golfer's elbow | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it hurts | Outer elbow, sometimes spreading into the forearm and wrist | Inner elbow, sometimes worse first thing in the morning |
| Muscles involved | Forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers | Forearm muscles that attach on the inner elbow |
| Movements that may hurt | Gripping, lifting, twisting, bending the wrist back against resistance | Repetitive gripping, bending or twisting |
| Medical name | Lateral epicondylitis | Medial epicondylitis |
| Similar-feeling nerve problem | Radial tunnel syndrome, on the outer side of the elbow | Irritation of the ulnar nerve, which can cause numbness and tingling into the ring and little fingers |
Not sure which side is involved? Our guide to how tennis elbow is diagnosed explains what a clinician checks.
What causes each one?
MedlinePlus explains that both conditions develop when forearm muscles are used over and over, leading to small tears or degeneration in the tendons. Triggers listed for one or both include:
- repetitive gripping or twisting, such as using a screwdriver
- jobs such as painting, plumbing, construction, cooking and butchery, and computer use
- racket sports, golf, throwing sports and weight training
Despite the names, Cleveland Clinic notes you don't have to swing a golf club to get golfer's elbow, and that swinging a tennis racket can cause it. Most people with tennis elbow don't play tennis. See what causes tennis elbow for more detail.
Can you play golf with tennis elbow?
Some people continue to play with changes, such as shorter sessions, fewer practice balls, a relaxed grip and lessons to check technique. Others need a break while symptoms settle. A clinician or coach can help you decide.
Can you have both at the same time?
The sources we checked don't address this directly. OrthoInfo does note that tennis elbow most often affects the dominant arm, but both arms can be affected. Because nerve problems and other conditions can also cause pain around the elbow, it's worth getting a proper assessment if you have pain on both sides of the elbow or symptoms that don't fit a clear pattern.
How care compares
MedlinePlus describes a very similar approach for both conditions:
- resting from, or changing, the activities that cause pain, and adjusting technique and equipment
- ice and anti-inflammatory medicines
- stretching and strengthening exercises, often with a physical or occupational therapist
- a brace, available at most drug stores
- a cortisone injection in some cases, with surgery considered if pain continues after 6 to 12 months
Some straps are sold for both conditions, with the pad placed on the affected side. Check the product's instructions, and see our brace guide for general tips.
An easy way to remember
Stand with your arms by your sides and your palms facing forward. Golfer's elbow is on the side closest to your body (inner), and tennis elbow is on the outer side.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inner side. Both are overuse problems and both can happen without playing the sport they are named after.
Can you have tennis elbow and golfer's elbow at the same time?
The major sources we checked don't address this directly. If you have pain on both the inner and outer elbow, see a clinician, because other conditions can also cause pain in these areas.
Can you use a tennis elbow brace for golfer's elbow?
Some straps are sold for both conditions, with the pad placed over the affected side. Follow the product instructions and ask a clinician if you're unsure.
Sources
We checked this article against the following pages on October 22, 2026. Read how we write our guides.
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
- Tennis elbow (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
- Medial epicondylitis - golfer's elbow (opens in a new tab). MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.
- Elbow Pain: Possible Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment (opens in a new tab). Cleveland Clinic.
