What you may feel
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow.
- Gripping, pulling or lifting may worsen the pain.
- Bending the wrist or rotating the forearm may provoke pain.
- Pain may extend along the inner forearm.
- Little- or ring-finger numbness also needs assessment of the nerve.
How it is assessed
Examination distinguishes a tendon problem from ulnar nerve involvement, especially if fingers are numb.
Describe tasks that have become difficult, such as dressing, gripping or raising the arm. Mention night pain, finger numbness or strength changes.
Approaches to care
Load modification is combined with progressive strengthening.
Set practical goals with your clinician, such as better sleep, dressing or everyday hand use. Activity changes are adapted to your abilities.
When to seek urgent help
Major injury, a deformed joint, sudden loss of arm strength, or a hot red joint with fever need prompt medical assessment.
Further reading: Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (NHS)
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.