What might cause pain that extends from the elbow down into the hand?

Pain radiating from the elbow to the hand is most often caused by tendon inflammation or nerve compression. The most common conditions include:

• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Overuse injury causing pain on the outer elbow that travels down the forearm.
• Median nerve injury: Nerve compression leading to pain, tingling, or weakness from the elbow to the fingers.
• Radial tunnel syndrome: Compression of the radial nerve causing aching pain along the forearm.

Because these conditions share overlapping symptoms but require different treatments, identifying the correct cause early is essential to prevent chronic pain or nerve damage. A quick, free symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes based on your specific symptoms and guide you on the best next steps—whether that's home care, seeing a specialist, or urgent evaluation. It takes only a few minutes and could save you weeks of uncertainty.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026