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. |