Elbow pain

The table below details some of the characteristic features of conditions causing elbow pain:

Condition _ Notes| Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) _ Features

• pain and tenderness localised to the lateral epicondyle
• pain worse on resisted wrist extension with the elbow extended or supination of the forearm with the elbow extended
• episodes typically last between 6 months and 2 years. Patients tend to have acute pain for 6-12 weeks|

Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) _ Features

• pain and tenderness localised to the medial epicondyle
• pain is aggravated by wrist flexion and pronation
• symptoms may be accompanied by numbness / tingling in the 4th and 5th finger due to ulnar nerve involvement|

Radial tunnel syndrome _ Most commonly due to compression of the posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve. It is thought to be a result of overuse. Features

• symptoms are similar to lateral epicondylitis making it difficult to diagnose
• however, the pain tends to be around 4-5 cm distal to the lateral epicondyle
• symptoms may be worsened by extending the elbow and pronating the forearm|

Cubital tunnel syndrome _ Due to the compression of the ulnar nerve. Features

• initially intermittent tingling in the 4th and 5th finger
• may be worse when the elbow is resting on a firm surface or flexed for extended periods
• later numbness in the 4th and 5th finger with associated weakness|

Olecranon bursitis _ Swelling over the posterior aspect of the elbow. There may be associated pain, warmth and erythema. It typically affects middle-aged male patients.|