Pain in the Thumb Side of the Elbow Symptom, Causes & Questions

Top 2 Pain in the Thumb Side of the Elbow Causes

1. 1.Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

   Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is soreness or pain on the outside of the upper arm near the elbow.

   You can safely treat this condition on your own by resting your arm for 2-3 weeks and avoid the activity that causes your symptoms. You may also put ice on the outside of your elbow 2-3 times a day and take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin, as needed. Contact your physician if home treatment does not relieve the pain.

   Rarity:

   Common

   Top Symptoms:

   elbow pain, pain in one elbow, hand weakness, pain in the thumb side of the elbow, elbow pain from overuse

   Symptoms that always occur with tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis):

   elbow pain

   Urgency:

   Self-treatment

   Pain in the Thumb Side of the Elbow Checker

   Take a quiz to find out why you’re having pain in the thumb side of the elbow.

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2. 2.Osteochondritis Dissecans

   At joints where bones meet, bones are covered with a layer of cartilage which provides shock absorbance and lubrication. Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition where a piece of cartilage with a thin layer of bone detach from the larger bone, causing pain.

   You should visit your primary care physician. Conservative therapy is first considered, such as resting the joint, and physical therapy. Surgery is performed if the conservative treatment fails.

   Rarity:

   Rare

   Top Symptoms:

   pain in one knee, knee pain that gets worse during a run, knee stiffness, knee instability, spontaneous knee pain

   Urgency:

   Primary care doctor

Questions Your Doctor May Ask About Pain in the Thumb Side of the Elbow

• Q.How long has your elbow pain been going on?
• Q.Is your elbow pain constant or come-and-go?
• Q.How would you explain the cause of your elbow pain?
• Q.How long has your shoulder pain been going on?