October 10, 2025
3 mins
Chronic elbow pain is a common complaint—especially among active adults, manual workers, and those who spend long hours at a desk. While the discomfort may feel similar from one person to the next, the actual source of the pain can vary widely. Two of the most common culprits are tendon-related conditions, such as lateral or medial epicondylitis (commonly known as tennis or golfer’s elbow), and nerve-related issues, like radial tunnel syndrome or ulnar nerve entrapment.
Because the causes are distinct, so are the treatments. For this reason, it’s important to identify the underlying issue, whether nerve- or tendon-related, before selecting a treatment approach.
Understanding Elbow Nerve Pain
Nerve pain in the elbow develops when surrounding structures apply pressure on the nerve that travels near the inner part of the joint. This can happen due to repetitive activities, arthritis, prior injuries, or even medical conditions like diabetes.
Common symptoms of elbow nerve pain include:
- Tingling or numbness that spreads from the elbow into the forearm or fingers, usually the 4th and 5th fingers
- Sharp, burning pain that worsens with movement or prolonged pressure
- Weakness in grip or hand coordination
Age, occupational strain, and health conditions all influence the likelihood of elbow nerve pain. If your discomfort is ongoing, interferes with daily activities, or does not improve with rest and at-home care, it’s time to see a professional.
Elbow Pain vs. Tendonitis
Tendonitis, often called “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow,” is caused by inflammation or small tears in the tendons surrounding the elbow joint. “Tennis elbow” involves the tendons on the inside part of the elbow, while “golfer’s elbow” affects those on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms usually include localized pain and tenderness near the bony part of the elbow that worsen with gripping or lifting.
Unlike tendonitis, nerve pain involves the ulnar nerve, which passes near the inside part of the elbow. It often radiates beyond the elbow and may cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or forearm.
The following chart provides a breakdown of differences:
| Elbow Tendonitis | Elbow Nerve Pain | |
| Location of Pain | Usually localized to the elbow (outer or inner) | Localized to the inner elbow and can radiate into the forearm, wrist, or fingers (4th and 5th) |
| Radiating Symptoms | None | Yes, radiates beyond the elbow |
| Tinging or Numbness | None | Common, especially in the fingers and at night |
| Weakness | Some weakened grip strength | Reduced grip or hand strength |
| Typical Triggers | Worsens with gripping, lifting, or repetitive movements (using a racket, a computer mouse, or certain tools) | Triggered by prolonged pressure or stretching of the ulnar nerve |
If your symptoms go beyond soreness around the elbow joint, or if you notice sensory changes like numbness and tingling or weakness in your hand or fingers, it’s essential to have a medical evaluation.
Non-Surgical Regenerative Treatment Options For Elbow Pain
At Desert Spine and Sports Physicians, our approach focuses on restoring function without surgery whenever possible. Today’s regenerative medicine offers innovative solutions for patients with tendon-related elbow pain, including:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Uses your body’s own concentrated platelets to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing of tendons and surrounding structures.
- Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate (BMAC) Therapy: Delivers stem cells and growth factors directly to the affected area, supporting damaged tissue.
Our sports medicine doctors perform these minimally invasive, non-surgical treatments under ultrasound guidance for maximum safety and precision. They can reduce pain, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery for patients with chronic elbow pain.
Why Choose Desert Spine and Sports Physicians
Desert Spine and Sports Physicians has been recognized as a leader in non-surgical spine and musculoskeletal care for nearly two decades. Our physicians have been named “Top Docs” in Phoenix Magazine for 18 consecutive years, reflecting both clinical excellence and peer recognition.
Our whole-person, patient-centered approach is what really sets Desert Spine and Sports Physicians apart. Every treatment plan is customized to the individual, supported by evidence-based regenerative medicine, and delivered with compassion.
Schedule Your Non-Surgical Treatment Consultation Today
Elbow pain should never limit your quality of life. Whether your symptoms are caused by tendonitis or nerve compression, effective, non-surgical options are available.
With six convenient pain management clinics in Arizona, Desert Spine and Sports Physicians makes it simple to access the care you need when you need it. Request your appointment today to explore personalized, evidence-based approaches, such as PRP for elbow treatment, that relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the activities that matter most.
