Expert Advice: How to Prevent Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
As the weather warms, many people head outdoors to enjoy sports like tennis, golf, paddle and pickleball. However, a sudden return to activity after a winter slowdown can increase the risk of injury — particularly to the elbow.
At Summit Health, our team of orthopedists and pain management specialists are dedicated to helping you stay active, prevent injuries, and recover safely if discomfort arises. Gerard D’Onofrio, MD, a sports and spine physiatrist at Summit Health in Bridgewater, NJ, explains why elbow injuries are common in the spring and what you can do to protect yourself.
Why do elbow injuries increase in the spring?
During the spring, many people experience a sharp increase in physical activity. Dr. D’Onofrio explains that muscles often adapt quickly, but tendons take longer to strengthen, creating a mismatch that can lead to pain and inflammation.
Common conditions include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylosis): Overuse of the forearm muscles causing pain in the outer elbow.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylosis): Strain from swinging motions causing pain on the inner elbow.
These injuries are not limited to professional athletes. Anyone engaging in activities such as racquet sports, weightlifting, rowing or even home improvement projects can be affected.
What are the early signs of tennis or golfer’s elbow?
Early detection is key to preventing worsening symptoms. Dr. D’Onofrio advises seeking evaluation if you experience:
- Pain lasting more than 48–72 hours after activity
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Tenderness when pressing on the elbow
- Pain during gripping, twisting or lifting objects
"If your pain doesn’t improve with rest or starts to impact daily activities, it’s important to consult a specialist," says Dr. D’Onofrio.
How can you prevent springtime elbow injuries?
Preparing your body before resuming sports activities can significantly reduce your risk. Dr. D’Onofrio recommends:
- Strengthening forearm muscles with targeted exercises
- Stretching and improving wrist mobility before play
- Incorporating isometric exercises to support tendon health
"Off-season conditioning isn’t just for professionals," Dr. D’Onofrio emphasizes. "Training your tendons ahead of time is just as important as practicing your swing or serve."
What treatment options are available if you are injured?
Summit Health offers a range of non-surgical treatment options to help patients recover and return to activity, including:
- Customized physical therapy programs
- Ultrasound-guided injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
- Needle tenotomy, a minimally invasive procedure that stimulates tendon healing
While cortisone injections can offer short-term pain relief, Dr. D’Onofrio notes that Summit Health focuses on long-term healing strategies to strengthen tendons and prevent future injuries.
Can you stay active during recovery?
In many cases, patients can remain active while healing. A counterforce brace, worn just below the elbow, can help reduce tendon stress during activities.
"You’ll often see even professional golfers wearing these braces," says Dr. D’Onofrio. "They can provide valuable support during recovery."
When should you seek care?
Dr. D’Onofrio offers this advice to anyone returning to sports this spring: "Pain is a warning sign. Early evaluation and treatment can prevent a small injury from becoming a major setback."
Summit Health’s pain management team provides comprehensive, personalized care to help you recover and get back to the activities you enjoy.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Gerard D’Onofrio or learn more about orthopedics and sports injury care, visit our website.