Differential Diagnosis for Elbow Pain on the Inside of the Elbow
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Medial epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow): This condition is characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner aspect of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the medial epicondyle. It is a common cause of medial elbow pain, especially in individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Ulnar nerve entrapment or ulnar neuritis: This condition involves compression or irritation of the ulnar nerve as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the medial elbow and forearm.
- Medial elbow strain or sprain: Overstretching or tearing of the ligaments or muscles on the medial aspect of the elbow can cause pain and discomfort in this area.
- Bursitis of the medial elbow: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion the tendons and ligaments on the medial side of the elbow can cause localized pain and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Fracture of the medial epicondyle or olecranon: Although the patient mentions the pain is not on the bony side, it's crucial to consider the possibility of a fracture, especially if there was a traumatic event.
- Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: This condition involves a piece of cartilage and bone becoming detached from the capitellum (the end of the humerus bone), which can cause pain on the inside of the elbow.
- Infection (septic arthritis or osteomyelitis): Infections in the elbow joint or bone can cause severe pain, redness, and swelling, and require prompt medical attention.
- Tumor (primary or metastatic): Although rare, tumors can cause elbow pain and should be considered in the differential diagnosis, especially if the pain is persistent and unexplained.
Rare Diagnoses
- Medial elbow avulsion injury: This is a rare injury where a piece of bone is pulled off by a tendon or ligament, causing pain and instability in the medial elbow.
- Throwing injuries (e.g., medial epicondyle apophysitis in young athletes): These injuries are specific to athletes who engage in throwing sports and can cause medial elbow pain due to repetitive stress on the growth plates.
- Rheumatologic conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus): These conditions can cause elbow pain and swelling, although they are less common causes of isolated medial elbow pain.