The elbow and wrist most often hurt from repetitive hand movements: working with a mouse or tools, carrying bags, and racket sports.
With the elbow, it matters which side hurts. On the outside it’s usually tennis elbow, and on the inside golfer’s elbow. Both come from overloading the tendons, not from an injury. In the wrist, the most common problem is a trapped nerve, which causes numb fingers.
Which page to read
- Pain on the outside of the elbow when gripping and lifting: tennis elbow.
- Pain on the inside of the elbow when squeezing: golfer’s elbow.
- The thumb, index finger and middle finger go numb, especially at night: carpal tunnel syndrome.
When to start with a consultation
If your little finger or the whole arm goes numb too, the cause may be in the neck. Start with a consultation so that it is checked as well. With swelling, redness or pain after a fall, see a doctor first.