Elbow Pain

Question 1

Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Answer 1

• Pain and tenderness localosed to the lateral epicondyle
• Pain worse on resisted wrist extension with elbow extended or supination of the forearm with the elbow extended
• Episodes typically last between 6 months and 2 years - acute pain for 6-12 weeks

Question 2

Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)

Answer 2

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

Question 3

Radial tunnel syndrome

Answer 3

• Most commonly due to compression of the posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve - thought to be a result of overuse
• Symptoms similar to lateral epicondylitis making diagnosis difficult but pain tends to be around 4-5cm distal to the lateral epicondyle
• Symptoms worsened by extending the elbow and pronating the forearm

Question 4

Cubital tunnel syndrome

Answer 4

• Due to compression of the ulnar nerve
• 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

Question 5

Olecranon bursitis

Answer 5

• Swelling
• Pain
• Redness or warmth
• Tenderness
• Pus