Golfer's Elbow in Tennis (Inner Elbow Pain)
Also known as: inner elbow pain tennis, inside of my elbow hurts, inside elbow pain serving, medial elbow pain, golfer's elbow in tennis, golfers elbow from tennis, medial epicondylitis
Pain on the inside of the elbow can be medial epicondylitis, also called golfer's elbow, and tennis is one known cause. The forearm muscles that turn your palm down and bend your wrist attach there, and the serve uses both. Rest it, and see a medical professional if it lasts, or straight away if your ring and little fingers go numb or tingle.
Medial epicondylitis is pain at the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. It comes from overuse or overexertion of the forearm tendons that attach there. Despite the name, golf is not the only cause. Orthopaedic guidance lists tennis, overhead throwing and weightlifting too.
The muscles involved turn the forearm inward, which is pronation, and bend the wrist and fingers. The serve uses both as the racquet comes through to the ball. A heavy forehand with a lot of wrist can also load them. Poor technique or unsuitable equipment may add to the risk.
Symptoms often build over weeks. You may feel pain or burning on the inner elbow, sometimes shooting toward the hand. A nearby nerve can also get irritated, causing numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.
If it hurts, cut back on serving and heavy hitting, and get it checked. A doctor or physiotherapist can confirm the cause. A coach can then look at your serve and grip once you're cleared to play.
Tips by skill level
Build serving volume slowly. Several short serving sessions are kinder to your arm than one long one.
Once cleared to play, film your serve. Look for a flowing kinetic chain rather than a big wrist flick to create pace.
Example
After a week of extra serving practice, Ben feels a burning ache on the inside of his elbow. He rests from serving, sees a physio and later works with his coach on a smoother service motion.
Why it matters
Inner elbow pain is not the same as tennis elbow, which sits on the outside. Naming it correctly helps you get the right advice and change the right part of your game.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all elbow pain is tennis elbow
- Serving through pain to finish a practice basket
- Ignoring numbness or tingling in the fingers
Frequently asked questions
Why does the inside of my elbow hurt after tennis?
It can be medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, from overloading the forearm tendons that attach there. See a medical professional if it lasts.
Can tennis cause golfer's elbow?
Yes. Orthopaedic guidance lists tennis among the activities that can cause medial epicondylitis, or golfer's elbow, which hurts on the inside of the elbow.
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow hurts on the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow hurts on the inside. Tennis players can get either one.
Sources
Related terms
- Tennis ElbowTennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, linked to overuse of the forearm tendons that attach there. In tennis, contributing factors can include a late, wristy one-handed backhand, tight or very stiff strings, a sudden jump in hitting or serving volume and a tight grip. If it hurts, stop playing, and see a qualified medical professional if the pain persists.
- Pronation on ServePronation on serve is the forearm's natural inward turn around contact. It squares the face and adds speed, but shoulder internal rotation adds the most.
- Tennis Elbow Straps and BracesA tennis elbow strap, also called a counterforce brace, may help ease symptoms for some players. It sits around the upper forearm, centred over the back of the forearm, and is thought to rest the sore muscles and tendons. It does not fix the cause, so pair it with rest and better technique, and see a medical professional if the pain lasts.
- Wrist Snap on ServeWrist snap (pronation) on the serve is the forearm-rotation motion through contact that accelerates the racquet head and directs spin, the final link in the serving kinetic chain.
- Shoulder Pain From ServingShoulder pain from serving is often linked to overuse and to a serve driven by the arm instead of the legs and trunk. Common contributing factors include a toss behind the head, a sudden increase in serving volume, and weak or tight shoulder and upper-back muscles. Stop if it hurts, and see a qualified medical professional if the pain persists.
Related guides & benchmarks
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