Understanding Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: A Quick Guide from Your Chiropractor in Hong Kong
Hi, I’m Dr. Karl Lin, a dual-qualified chiropractor and podiatrist practising in Hong Kong. I hold a Master’s in Chiropractic from the University of South Wales and am registered with the Hong Kong Chiropractic Council. I also earned my Master’s in Podiatry from the University of Brighton and remain a UK-registered podiatrist.
Through years of treating patients with sports injuries and musculoskeletal issues, I’ve seen how the health of the spine, limbs and even the feet can interconnect—especially when repetitive activities like fencing (one of my own hobbies) or daily work start to cause problems. That’s why I blend both chiropractic and podiatric approaches to give truly holistic, personalised care at Cosman Health Group.
Two conditions I often see in active patients are golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. Even if you’ve never picked up a club or racquet, these overuse injuries can sneak up on anyone who repeats gripping, twisting or lifting motions.
What’s the difference?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow, right at the bony bump where the forearm extensor tendons attach.
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside of the elbow, where the forearm flexor tendons connect.
Both are forms of tendinopathy—essentially irritation or micro-tears in the tendons from repetitive stress—but the location and the specific movements that aggravate them are different.
Common symptoms
You might notice:
Aching or sharp pain at the elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, twisting the forearm, or even shaking hands.
Tenderness when pressing the affected bony area.
Stiffness or weakness in the wrist and forearm.
Pain that can radiate slightly into the forearm or upper arm.
Potential causes
These injuries usually stem from repetitive overuse rather than a single traumatic event. Think hours of typing, using tools, playing racket or club sports, or even intensive gym sessions with poor technique. In my own experience with fencing, I’ve learned how sudden or repeated arm loading can quickly overload those forearm tendons if the body isn’t moving as a well-balanced unit.
General management advice
Most mild cases settle with simple self-care:
Rest the aggravating activity for a week or two (but don’t stop moving the elbow completely—gentle range-of-motion helps).
Use a counterforce brace or compression strap just below the elbow during daily tasks.
Once acute pain settles, gentle stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles can speed recovery.
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories may help in the short term, but they’re not a long-term fix.
If symptoms haven’t improved after 2–3 weeks of sensible rest and home care—or if the pain is getting worse, waking you at night, or affecting your daily function—please don’t wait. Early intervention from a medical professional, such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor, can make a big difference. We can assess the whole kinetic chain (yes, even how your posture or foot mechanics might be contributing), provide targeted manual therapy, adjustments, exercise prescription and, when needed, custom orthotics or bracing to prevent recurrence.
Every treatment plan is built around your individual lifestyle, sport, and goals—whether you’re a weekend golfer, office worker, or fellow fencer looking to stay pain-free.
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