Differential Diagnosis for Pain Shooting into the Elbow
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Cervical Radiculopathy: This condition, often resulting from a herniated disk or bone spur in the cervical spine, can cause pain that radiates down the arm, potentially reaching the elbow. The pain pattern typically follows a specific dermatomal distribution, which can help in diagnosing the affected nerve root.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- 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 arms, including the elbow, especially with certain movements.
- Elbow Tendinitis or Bursitis: Conditions like tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) can cause pain around the elbow. While the primary pain location is around the elbow, it can sometimes radiate or be referred from other areas, including the neck or shoulder.
- Ulnar Neuropathy: Compression or damage to the ulnar nerve, which runs from the neck down into the hand, can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the arm and hand, potentially involving the elbow area.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Acute Coronary Syndrome: Although less common, pain that radiates down the arm can be a symptom of a heart attack, especially if accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, or other cardiac symptoms. It's crucial to consider cardiac causes, especially in patients with risk factors.
- Spinal Cord Compression: Conditions like spinal stenosis or a herniated disk in the cervical spine can compress the spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, and sensory changes in the arms and legs. This is a medical emergency requiring prompt intervention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Pancoast Tumor: A rare type of lung cancer located at the top of the lung, which can cause shoulder and arm pain due to invasion of the brachial plexus or nearby structures.
- Brachial Plexitis (Neuralgic Amyotrophy): An inflammatory condition of the brachial plexus that can cause severe pain in the shoulder and arm, followed by weakness and atrophy of the affected muscles.
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): A chronic pain condition characterized by severe, burning pain at the site of an injury, which can sometimes involve the elbow and is often accompanied by swelling, skin changes, and limited range of motion.