Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are similar conditions that result from damage to the tendons where they attach to bones in the elbow. The tendon damage most often occurs when inflammation caused by repetitive motion weakens the tendon and makes it susceptible to tearing.
Tendon damage can also result from a direct blow to the elbow.
With tennis elbow, the tendon on the outside of the elbow is damaged, whereas golfer's elbow affects the tendon on the inside of the elbow. Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are not limited to people who participate in those sports. Many types of work and recreation involve grasping an object and repetitively moving the arm as tennis players and golfers do. Carpenters and meatcutters, for example, are at risk for developing these conditions as well. Women and men are equally susceptible to these conditions.