Tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle), while golfer’s elbow affects the inner part (medial epicondyle). Despite the names, you don’t have to play sports to develop these conditions—repetitive movements from typing, lifting, gripping, or twisting can all lead to inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the elbow.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or burning pain on the inner or outer elbow
- Pain that worsens with activity or gripping
- Tenderness when touching the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain that radiates down the forearm
Elbow tendonitis can be persistent and interfere with daily tasks like carrying groceries, holding a coffee mug, or shaking hands. Rest and anti-inflammatories often aren’t enough to fully resolve it—especially when the tendon hasn’t properly healed.