Differential Diagnosis for Elbow Pain Radiating to Fingertips
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is characterized by compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling that can radiate down to the fingertips, particularly affecting the ring and little fingers.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Radiculopathy: Refers to damage or irritation of the nerve roots in the cervical spine, which can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm and hand, including the fingertips.
- Median Nerve Entrapment (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome): Although more commonly associated with wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause pain and numbness that radiates up the arm, including to the elbow, and down to the fingertips, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib), leading to pain in the shoulders and neck and numbness in the fingers.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: Although less common, pain radiating down the arm can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms.
- Spinal Cord Injury or Compression: Conditions such as spinal stenosis, herniated discs, or spinal fractures can compress the spinal cord, leading to severe pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and legs.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A type of lung cancer located at the top of the lung that can invade nearby structures, including nerves, leading to shoulder and arm pain, including pain that radiates to the fingertips.
- Multiple Sclerosis: An autoimmune disease that affects the brain and spinal cord, leading to a wide range of neurological symptoms, including numbness, weakness, and pain in various parts of the body, including the arms and hands.
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to a variety of symptoms, including pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms and hands, depending on which vessels are affected.