Pain in elbow now going down arm to wrist

[spiderlaura]

I have been having pain in my right elbowthat has gotten worse over last couple of weeks. Pain now spreads down to my wrist and sometimes my fingers. Any suggestions? I do not have insurance and can not afford to go to a doctor for x-rays.

[Red931]

I am sorry I missed this one earlier. If the pain is limited to your ring finger and pinky and if you are having problems holding onto things you may have damage to you Ulnar Nerve or entrapment of the Ulnar Nerve. Tuck mentioned it in her post to you.

I was recently diagnosed with this and mine is severe. I have to get surgery to correct it on June 17th. Two different doctors told me that if I don't have the surgery that I could lose the use of my hand.

You can be tested for it with an EMG, but since you are without insurance it could be quite expensive.

If you can get to a doctors visit, preferably an Orthopedist he/she can press on the nerve to see if it is the problem so then you would at least know what the problem is.

The last thing I wanted was anymore surgery, but I am already losing some use of my hand and have no choice. Hopefully you are not in my position.

Good Luck.

[ChronicPain1]

Ever since my shoulder/neck pain started on my left side, my elbow/wrist and hand also go tingly and hurt. It's possible it could be a nerve issue from your neck, most likely somewhere between C5-C7, or perhaps localized damage.

[spiderlaura]

Thanks Tuck

The pain is not down to my wrist any longer but now seems to be bothering me in my other elbow and I have noticed some swelling in my hands. I dont have insurance and I will be attempting to see what help I can get. But honestly I am fearfull of doctors or medical treatment. I do want to know what is a matter with me but at the same time I feel the less I know the better. Maybe I dont make sense but I'm a believer that sometimes a medical condition can worsen do to medical treatment such as cancer.

[Tuckamore]

Hi Spiderlaura,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am glad that you found us but sorry to hear about your elbow pain.

The elbow is a very busy joint and we use it more than we consciously realize. Three long bones join at the elbow and there are tendon, ligaments and three major muscles.  There are many conditions that can effect any of those structures. Some of them are, Olecranon bursitis (inflammation of the bursa a the tip of the elbow), Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow), Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), arthritis, sprains, tendinitis, Ulnar nerve entrapment and more.

It is always best to consult with a PCP. I am not a physician nor an expert. In my experience the initial treatment for most of these conditions include, RICE, rest, ice, compression and elevate. NSAID's are normally suggested unless contraindicated. Sometimes a brace or support (available at your local pharmacy) to the area can help. Try a few to determine which one works best for you. These conditions can take time to heal in part due to the constant motion we demand from the elbow.

X-rays will not reveal most of these conditions though they can rule out an arthritis or misalignment of the bones. An MRI or CT Scan is normally required.  

I do encourage you to see a PCP. Some states, such as WI offer state insurance for those that do not have access to insurance or have a fixed income. Have you been to your local Human Services Office?  

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. We are here to support you. I wish I could offer you a definitive answer. I'll look forward to your updates.
Take Care, Tuck