While these conditions are named after sports, they are actually repetitive stress injuries that affect the tendons attaching to the elbow. The main difference is which side of the elbow is affected. Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow whereas golfer's elbow affects the inside part of the elbow. Both involve the tendons that help you move your wrist.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the respective part of the elbow. You’ll feel it most when gripping objects, turning a doorknob, or opening a jar.
Diagnosis: Physical exam. X-rays are obtained to evalute for calcium deposits and rule out other diagnoses. Imaging beyond x-ray is not typically required.
Treatment:
Wrist Brace: To reduce the movement of the wrist which irritates the affected area on the elbow.
Nitroglycerin patch: Can be used to help bring more blood supply to the area
Eccentric Exercise: Slow, controlled lowering of a weight to strengthen the tendon.