What is a simple, easy-to-remember acronym to differentiate Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) from Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)?

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Last updated: August 10, 2026 • View editorial policy

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Differentiating Golfer's vs Tennis Elbow: Memory Aids

Use the simple mnemonic "GOLFER'S MEDIAL" and "TENNIS LATERAL" - the key is remembering that Golfer's elbow affects the medial epicondyle (inside of elbow) while Tennis elbow affects the lateral epicondyle (outside of elbow).

Clinical Anatomy Mnemonics

Primary Location Memory Aid

  • "Golf = Medial" - Golfer's elbow involves the common flexor tendon origin on the medial epicondyle 1
  • "Tennis = Lateral" - Tennis elbow involves the common extensor tendon origin on the lateral epicondyle 1

Functional Movement Mnemonic: "FLIP vs GRIP"

For Golfer's Elbow (Medial):

  • "FLIP" - FLexion and Internal rotation (Pronation) cause pain
  • Pain with wrist flexion and forearm pronation movements
  • Affects flexor-pronator muscle group 2

For Tennis Elbow (Lateral):

  • "GRIP" - GRasping and Internal rotation resistance cause Pain
  • Pain with wrist extension and gripping activities
  • Affects extensor muscle group 1

Anatomic Position Mnemonic: "THUMB POINTS"

  • Golfer's elbow: When your thumb points UP (supinated position), the opposite side (medial/pinky side) hurts
  • Tennis elbow: When your thumb points UP (supinated position), the same side (lateral/thumb side) hurts

Clinical Testing Memory Aid

"Shake hands for Tennis, Turn doorknob for Golf":

  • Tennis elbow (lateral): Pain worsens with handshaking, lifting with palm down, opening doors 3
  • Golfer's elbow (medial): Pain worsens with turning doorknobs, throwing motions, wrist flexion against resistance 2, 4

Epidemiology Note

Both conditions represent chronic tendinopathies affecting 1-3% of the population, with lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) being significantly more common than medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) 1, 5.

Practical Clinical Pearls

Palpation location is the most reliable differentiator:

  • Medial epicondyle tenderness = Golfer's elbow
  • Lateral epicondyle tenderness = Tennis elbow

Pain radiation patterns:

  • Golfer's: Pain radiates down the medial (ulnar) forearm
  • Tennis: Pain radiates down the lateral (radial) forearm toward thumb 3

References

1
Guideline

acr appropriateness criteria® chronic elbow pain.

Journal of the American College of Radiology, 2022

5
Research

Lateral and Medial Epicondylitis of the Elbow.

The Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 1994

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Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.