Elbow / Forearm

Tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury of the forearm extensor tendons, where chronic overuse leads to microtears at the attachment on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It most often affects people aged 30–50 who perform repetitive gripping or wrist-extension tasks, such as tennis.

Recognition relies on a sharp or burning pain on the outer elbow with pinpoint tenderness directly over the lateral epicondyle. Resisted wrist extension or gripping objects—such as lifting a kettle or turning a doorknob—reproduces the discomfort.

Golfer’s elbow is a repetitive strain injury of the forearm flexor-pronator tendons, characterised by microtears at the origin on the medial epicondyle of the humerus, following repeated wrist flexion and forearm pronation. It commonly affects golfers, racquet sports players and manual workers.

The condition presents as a deep ache or stabbing pain on the inner elbow, with tenderness on palpation of the medial epicondyle. Symptoms worsen with resisted wrist flexion or pronation—such as when shaking hands, lifting heavy objects or turning a screwdriver.

Olecranon bursitis, or Coal Miner’s Elbow, is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) that cushions the tip of the elbow. It often follows a direct knock to the elbow, prolonged pressure (leaning on hard surfaces) or repeated minor irritation, and can affect both manual workers and those who habitually rest their elbows on desks or tables.

You’ll notice a soft, palpable swelling at the back of the elbow which may be red or warm to touch. Although bending and straightening the arm remain largely intact, pressing on the swollen area frequently reproduces a dull ache or sharp discomfort, especially at full extension.

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed as it passes behind the inner (medial) elbow, often due to sustained elbow bending or repetitive valgus stress. It is common in individuals who sleep with their elbows bent, lean on their elbows for long periods or perform repetitive arm movements.

Typical signs include tingling or numbness in the little and ring fingers, intermittent “electric shock” sensations down the inner forearm, and a weakened grip. You may also notice pain or discomfort when the elbow is kept bent for prolonged periods, such as when holding a phone to the ear.

Radial tunnel syndrome represents entrapment of the posterior interosseous branch of the radial nerve in the proximal forearm, distinct from the more superficial lateral epicondylitis. It often follows repetitive forearm movements or direct pressure over the radial tunnel.

You’ll experience an aching, burning sensation in the dorsolateral (back and side) forearm, typically 4–6 cm below the elbow. The pain intensifies when you extend the middle finger against resistance or supinate/rotate the forearm, yet there is minimal tenderness directly over the lateral epicondyle.

Elbow osteoarthritis is degeneration of the cartilage within the humeroulnar and humeroradial joints, frequently arising after previous fractures, dislocations or long-term joint loading. It most often affects those over 50 or anyone with a past history of significant elbow trauma.

Recognition features include a deep, grinding ache during movement, stiffness—especially after rest—and audible crepitus as the joint moves. You may find full extension or flexion difficult, with occasional catching or locking sensations.

A UCL sprain involves the stretching or tearing of the medial collateral ligament complex on the inner elbow, typically resulting from a sudden valgus force, which gaps the inside aspect of the elbow, commonly seen in throwing athletes or a direct blow to the outer elbow.

You’ll feel localised pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, particularly when the arm is placed under valgus stress (as in the “push-up” position). A sense of instability or “giving way” during overhead or lifting activities is often reported.

Nursemaid’s elbow is subluxation of the radial head beneath the annular ligament in young children, most commonly caused by a sudden pull on an extended, pronated arm (for example, when pulling a child up by the hand).

Affected children hold the arm slightly flexed and pronated, refusing to move it, yet there is minimal swelling or bruising. The elbow appears normal in alignment, but any attempt to straighten or supinate the forearm provokes distress.