Differential Diagnosis for Elbow Pain and Morning Hand Tingling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, which can be exacerbated by repetitive motion such as typing. Symptoms include pain at the elbow and tingling or numbness in the hand, particularly in the morning after prolonged flexion of the elbow during sleep.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Although more commonly associated with wrist pain, carpal tunnel syndrome can cause hand tingling and is often related to repetitive activities like typing. The symptoms can be similar to cubital tunnel syndrome but typically involve the median nerve.
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: This condition involves compression of the nerves and/or blood vessels that pass into the thoracic outlet (the space between your collarbone and first rib). It can cause pain in the shoulders and neck and tingling in the hands, especially with activities that involve raising the arms.
- Radial Tunnel Syndrome: This is a condition that affects the radial nerve as it travels through the radial tunnel near the elbow. It can cause pain on the outside of the elbow and hand, and while less common, could be considered with repetitive motion injuries.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Multiple Myeloma: Although rare, this cancer of plasma cells can cause bone pain, including in the elbows, and neurological symptoms due to nerve compression or other mechanisms. It's crucial to consider in the differential due to its severe implications.
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): A progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Early symptoms can include muscle twitching, atrophy, and weakness, which might initially present as tingling or pain in specific areas like the hands.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Can cause neurological symptoms including numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. While not directly related to repetitive motion, it's a condition that could present with similar symptoms and has significant health implications if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tumors (e.g., Schwannomas, Neurofibromas): Rare growths on the nerves that can cause compression and lead to symptoms like pain and tingling. These would be less likely without a history of trauma or other systemic symptoms but should be considered in the differential for comprehensive evaluation.
- Sarcoidosis: A disease characterized by the growth of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in any part of the body — most commonly the lungs and lymph nodes — but can also affect the nerves, leading to various neurological symptoms including tingling and pain.