Differential Diagnosis for Lateral Epicondylitis with Pain that Improves with Bending Arm
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): This condition is characterized by pain on the lateral aspect of the elbow, which is exacerbated by wrist extension and relieved by rest or bending the arm. The improvement with bending could be due to reduced tension on the affected tendons.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Radial tunnel syndrome: This condition involves compression of the radial nerve and can cause pain on the lateral aspect of the elbow and forearm. Bending the arm might alleviate the compression, leading to temporary relief.
- Elbow strain or sprain: Overuse or direct injury to the elbow can cause strain or sprain, leading to lateral elbow pain. Certain movements, like bending, might reduce the strain on the affected ligaments or muscles, providing relief.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Osteochondritis dissecans of the capitellum: This is a condition where a piece of cartilage and bone in the elbow joint becomes damaged, potentially leading to pain and locking of the joint. Although less common, it's crucial to consider due to the potential for severe consequences if left untreated.
- Fracture of the radial head: A fracture in this area could cause lateral elbow pain, and certain movements might provide temporary relief by altering the position of the fracture fragments.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tumors (e.g., osteoid osteoma, osteochondroma): Although rare, tumors in the elbow region could cause localized pain that might seem to improve with certain movements due to changes in pressure or tension on the surrounding tissues.
- Infection (e.g., osteomyelitis, septic arthritis): Infections in the bone or joint of the elbow are serious conditions that could present with pain and might have variable responses to movement, depending on the stage and location of the infection.