Differential Diagnosis for Bilateral Elbow Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) and Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow): These are common conditions that cause elbow pain, often bilateral, especially in individuals who engage in repetitive activities involving the wrist and forearm. The pain is usually localized to the lateral or medial epicondyles of the humerus.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Repetitive Strain Injury: This condition results from repetitive motion or overuse of the forearm muscles, leading to strain and pain in the elbows.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the elbow can cause pain and swelling, often due to repetitive motion or direct trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, similar to bursitis, can cause pain, especially with movement.
- Arthritis (Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis): Although less common as a primary cause of bilateral elbow pain, certain types of arthritis can affect the elbows, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: An infection within the joint space, which is a medical emergency requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent joint destruction.
- Osteomyelitis: A bone infection that can cause pain, fever, and other systemic symptoms, requiring immediate antibiotic treatment.
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and forearm, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage if not addressed.
Rare Diagnoses
- Amyloidosis: A condition characterized by the deposition of amyloid proteins in various tissues, including joints, which can cause pain and stiffness.
- Sarcoidosis: An autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems, including the musculoskeletal system, causing joint pain and swelling.
- Gout or Pseudogout: Although more commonly affecting the lower extremities, these conditions can cause sudden, severe joint pain and swelling in the elbows, especially in the context of renal failure or other metabolic disorders.
- Neoplastic Processes: Rarely, bilateral elbow pain can be a symptom of a neoplastic process, such as multiple myeloma or metastatic disease to the bones around the elbow.