What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, from the tendons that lift the wrist and fingers; golfer’s elbow affects the inner side, from the tendons that bend them. Despite the names, most people with either condition do not play tennis or golf — work and gym gripping are far more common causes. Both respond to the same principle: the right progressive loading rather than rest alone.
Why won’t my elbow pain go away with rest?
Tendons need load to rebuild their strength. Rest calms the pain for a while, but the tendon stays weak and the pain returns as soon as you grip or lift again. A specific, graded strengthening programme is the proven treatment — which is what we design for you.
Do I need an injection for elbow pain?
Usually not. A steroid injection can reduce pain for a few weeks, but a large trial found tennis elbow was worse at one year after an injection than after a placebo, with more recurrences. We rarely use injections, and never on their own.
Should I wear an elbow strap?
A counterforce strap worn just below the elbow can reduce pain during gripping for some people. It is a helpful aid while you rebuild strength, not a treatment on its own.
Is tingling in my little finger coming from my elbow?
It may be. The ulnar nerve runs behind the inner elbow, and pressure on it — often from leaning on the elbow or sleeping with it tightly bent — causes tingling in the ring and little fingers. Most cases improve with changes in elbow position and load. Weakness or wasting of the small hand muscles needs prompt assessment.
How is elbow pain treated at ACTYMED?
After a precise diagnosis, your plan may combine a progressive tendon-loading programme, manual therapy, dry needling, Agnikarma, and Ayurvedic therapies such as Mutta Kizhi, with changes to your grip, technique, equipment and workstation so the pain does not come back.
How long does elbow pain take to recover?
Many people improve significantly within 6–12 weeks of consistent treatment. Long-standing tendon pain can take 3–6 months. Left alone, most tennis elbow does settle within about a year — good treatment gets you there sooner and with less recurrence.
Can Ayurveda help elbow pain?
Agnikarma has shown promise for stubborn tendon pain in small studies, and kizhi therapies ease stiffness and discomfort. We use them within a loading programme, never instead of one.
When is surgery indicated for elbow pain?
Rarely. For tennis or golfer’s elbow, surgery is considered only after 6–12 months of properly done rehabilitation has failed. Surgery is indicated for a complete rupture of the biceps tendon at the front of the elbow — best repaired within the first few weeks — and for ulnar nerve compression causing weakness or muscle wasting, displaced fractures, and loose bodies that lock the joint.
When should I see a doctor urgently about elbow pain?
Get same-day care after a fall with deformity or inability to move the elbow, for a hot, red, swollen elbow with fever (possible infected bursitis), and for a sudden pop at the front of the elbow followed by bruising and weakness turning the palm up — a possible biceps tendon rupture.
