Disease Comparison

Compare similarities and differences between two diseases.

Tennis Elbow

Mild
2
Symptoms
1
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs
VS

Boils

Moderate
2
Symptoms
2
Causes
0
Treatments
5
FAQs

Overview

Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a condition involving pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow, usually caused by repeated use of the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Despite its name, it can affect anyone whose activities involve repetitive gripping or wrist and forearm movements. Pain may worsen when gripping, lifting, or moving the wrist.
Boils
A boil is a painful, pus-filled lump caused by an infection involving a hair follicle and nearby skin tissue. It may start as a tender, swollen area and enlarge as pus builds up. Several nearby boils can join to form a carbuncle.

Symptoms

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Back Pain Muscle Weakness
Only in Right Disease
Eye Pain Sudden Vision Loss

Causes

Shared
None
Only in Left Disease
Sedentary Lifestyle
Only in Right Disease
Infection Obesity

Diagnosis

Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed through a medical history and physical examination. The healthcare professional may assess pain and tenderness around the outside of the elbow and test wrist and forearm movements. Imaging is not usually necessary for straightforward cases but may be used when symptoms are unusual, severe, persistent, or suggest another condition or injury.
Boils
A healthcare professional can usually identify a boil by examining its appearance and asking about symptoms and previous episodes. A sample of fluid or pus may be cultured to identify the organism. Recurrent boils or signs of a wider infection may warrant further evaluation.

Prevention

Tennis Elbow
The risk of tennis elbow may be reduced by using proper technique during sports and work activities, taking breaks from repetitive movements, gradually increasing activity, and allowing adequate recovery. Strengthening and stretching the forearm muscles may help people who perform repetitive activities. Ergonomic adjustments and appropriate equipment can also reduce unnecessary strain.
Boils
Regular handwashing, keeping skin clean, and keeping cuts clean and covered can reduce infection risk and spread. Avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or razors. Cover draining areas with a clean dressing and wash hands after contact. These measures reduce risk but cannot prevent every boil.

Risk Factors

Tennis Elbow
Risk factors include repetitive gripping or wrist movements, occupations involving manual work, sports that require repeated arm use, poor technique, sudden increases in activity, and inadequate recovery between activities. Increasing age may also contribute because tendons can become less resilient over time.
Boils
Boils may be more likely with diabetes, conditions that weaken the immune system, certain skin conditions such as eczema, obesity, or close contact with someone who has boils. These factors affect susceptibility or exposure; a boil is not, by itself, evidence of poor personal hygiene.

Treatment

Tennis Elbow
Treatment comparison will be available soon.
Boils
Treatment comparison will be available soon.