Upper Extremity
Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, nerve entrapment, and degenerative joint conditions affecting the elbow and forearm.
3
Diagnoses
3
Treatments
2
FAQs
SCOPES
Non-Opioid
Clinical Overview
Elbow pain affects 1 to 3% of the population annually and up to 50% of individuals with repetitive arm-loading activities at some point. (Source to be confirmed by SCOPES Health clinical team.)
Condition Definition
The elbow is a hinge-and-pivot joint where tendons, ligaments, and nerves converge. Pain may be tendinous, articular, or nerve-related, and can radiate into the forearm, wrist, or hand.
Common Causes
Most elbow pain in active adults is due to overuse. Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow arise from repetitive tendon loading. Nerve entrapment syndromes and degenerative osteoarthritis are also common sources.
Typical Symptoms
Lateral elbow pain with gripping/lifting suggests tennis elbow. Medial pain suggests golfer's elbow. Numbness/tingling in ring and little fingers suggests ulnar nerve compression; forearm ache can suggest radial tunnel syndrome.
SCOPES Clinical Approach
Evaluation at SCOPES Health determines whether pain is tendinous, joint-related, or nerve-mediated. Ultrasound-guided injections, PRP, intra-articular injections, and peripheral nerve blocks are selected based on confirmed diagnosis.
Recommended Treatments
Frequently Asked Questions
How is tennis elbow different from golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the lateral (outer) elbow tendons, while golfer's elbow affects medial (inner) elbow tendons.
Can elbow pain be coming from a nerve?
Yes. Cubital tunnel and radial tunnel syndromes are common nerve-related causes and can be confirmed with clinical testing and studies when needed.
Need Guidance?
Talk With a SCOPES Specialist
Tell us your symptoms and we will build a personalized, non-opioid care plan.
Back to all conditions