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Q: What is the difference between “tennis elbow” and “golfer’s elbow”?

A: I’ve been asked this question a lot and even after I answer it, I still get confused looks. Let’s try again. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are generic terms giving to tendinitis or epicondylitis of the elbow. The terms are more applicable to a right-handed individual since tennis elbow is commonly used for a lateral tendinitis or epicondylitis and golfer’s elbow refers to medial tendinitis or epicondylitis.

A right-handed person who goes to hit a one-handed backhand shot in tennis drives the racquet through the range of motion using primarily the wrist or forearm extensor muscles. Most of these muscles commonly attach on the outside, or lateral side, of the elbow, causing point tenderness and pain at that site.
With the golfer’s elbow, a right-handed individual who goes to hit a forehand shot in tennis or in the downward motion of the golf swing primarily uses the muscles that attach on the inside, or medial side, of the elbow. Both of these diagnoses are usually a result of consistent activity for a prolonged period of time. Ice and NSAID’s are a simple fix for decreasing the pain. But limiting your activity, stretching, and massage may be needed for several days before adding back some strengthening exercises.
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Q: I am having sharp pains on one side of my jaw when eating. This has been going on for a couple of days, and I was wondering if this might be a “TMJ” problem?
A: Temoporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction commonly occurs in patients between the ages of 20 and 40. It seems to also affect women more so than men.

The origin of this pain could range anywhere from neurological, vascular, muscular, even to the joint itself. Even though the origin of pain varies, the symptoms are usually similar: gradual pain that increases with movement until mobility becomes restricted. Most often it occurs unilaterally (on one side), but sometimes on both. What I would suggest immediately would be to take a look at what you are eating. Eliminate foods that require constant chewing or a wide opening of the mouth (i.e. hoagies, bagels, apples). Also, if you eat a lot of chewy candies or gum, cut back on these as well.

Most of the time, I find these disorders are of muscular origin, so giving them a break will definitely help. A more thorough evaluation is necessary to distinguish between the varied origins of pain, and I would suggest seeing a medical professional if this continues for several more days.

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