Elbow Pain

Question 1

Epicondylitis:

What is the main cause?

What are 2 symptoms of this?

Answer 1

Overuse and often work-related

Elbow and forearm pain
Limited forearm/wrist movement (e.g. with gripping)

Question 2

Epicondylitis:

What is lateral epicondylitis commonly known as?

What is medial epicondylitis commonly known as?

Answer 2

Tennis elbow

Golfer’s elbow

Question 3

Lateral epicondylitis:

Is the pain worse when the wrist or fingers are extended or flexed and why?

What about for medial epicondylitis?

What else may be present with medial epicondylitis?

Answer 3

Extension - especially with middle finger extension

The muscles for extension are attached to the lateral epicondyle - that’s why

Flexion - same reason as above

Paresthesia of the ring and little finger due to ulnar neuropathy

Question 4

Olecranon bursitis:

What is the more common name for this?

What causes it?

What are 2 symptoms of this?

Answer 4

Student’s elbow

Trauma or overuse

Swelling of elbow +/- pain

Question 5

Elbow osteoarthritis:

What movements are limited?

Answer 5

Elbow flexion/extenson

Question 6

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome:

What may cause this?

What can be done to look at the conduction of nerves?

Answer 6

OA
RA
Cubitus valgus

Causes narrowing of the ulnar groove

Nerve conduction studies

Question 7

Management:

Epicondylitis:

• What is the main Rx?
• How long do most take to resolve?

Olecranon bursitis:

• Rest, ice and analgesia used!
• What is done if it is very large?

Answer 7

Stopping or modifying sport/work activities
Physio
Surgery if persistent

Within a yr

Aspiration