Lateral Elbow Pain (Outside)
Lateral elbow pain refers to pain on the outside of the elbow. The most common cause of pain on the outside of the elbow is known as Tennis elbow. However, there are a number of other injuries which result in pain over the outside of the elbow.
Tennis Elbow is a general term used to describe outer elbow pain. The most common cause is inflammation (or more likely degeneration) of the tendon which attaches to the outside of the elbow. Symptoms include:
Pain on the outside of the elbow about 1 to 2 cm down from the bony protrusion ( lateral epicondyle).
You may have weakness in the muscles around the forearm and wrist.
In particular, pain and weakness gripping things, or shaking hands with someone.
More on Tennis elbow
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome is also known as radial nerve entrapment or posterior interosseous nerve entrapment. It occurs when the radial nerve in the arm becomes compressed or restricted in the tunnel it passes through. Symptoms are similar to that of Tennis elbow:
Pain on the outside of the elbow.
Symptoms may also include pins and needles or tingling in the hand and outer forearm.
Tenderness may be felt in the muscles of the upper forearm.
Specifically, maximum tenderness is felt at a point about 4-6 cm down from the lateral epicondyle (a bony bit on the outside of the elbow).
More on Radial tunnel syndrome
Radiohumeral Bursitis
Radiohumeral bursitis is inflammation of a bursa or small sack of fluid which sits between the tendon and the bone. It has similar symptoms to tennis elbow:
Pain, tenderness and a limited range of movement in the elbow.
The joint will be swollen and redness can occur in some cases.
You may have a fever if an infection is present.
More on Radiohumeral bursitis
Osteochondritis dissecans in the elbow joint
Osteochondritis dissecans is fragmentation of the cartilage and sometimes the underlying bone that lines the ends of bones in the elbow joint.
It is common in adolescents as the ends of the bones are not yet fully hardened.
It may be caused, or exacerbated by throwing sports.
Symptoms include locking and clicking of the elbow, swelling which comes and goes, restricted movement, intermittent pain and pain after activity.
More on Osteochondritis dissecans
Synovitis of the elbow joint (radiohumeral joint) is inflammation of the synovial membrane which surrounds the joint. Symptoms include elbow joint pain and redness over the area. However, synovitis is itself usually caused by another condition, including an injury to the joint or an illness like cancer. Because of this, synovitis can indicate a serious problem so getting medical advice is essential.
Symptoms include pain and swelling with stiffness in the joint. There will be an increased skin temperature and redness over the area. When a patient presents with suspected synovitis, they may be referred for scans such as an MRI, and fluid may be taken from the knee and sent for testing.
Referred pain
Pain on the outside of the elbow may have been caused by or referred from the upper back or neck.
Acute Elbow Injuries
Acute elbow injuries occur suddenly and include fractures, tendon ruptures,…
How Does A Tennis Elbow Brace Work?
A tennis elbow brace or tennis elbow strap is a…
Posterior Elbow Pain (Back)
Posterior elbow pain is a pain at the back of…