Commons causes of pain in the forearm or elbow:
– Sprains and strains
– Degenerative changes such as arthritis
– Tennis and golfers elbow – damage to tendons and muscles
– Poor posture
– Injuries due to overuse
– Nerve damage, such as carpal tunnel syndrome

Less common causes of pain in the forearm or elbow:
– Circulation problems
– Joint dislocation or fractures
– Infections
– Diabetic nerve pain
– Traumatic injury or accident
Symptoms for which you should consult a doctor:
– Continuous elbow aches
– Pain in the elbow muscles
– Continuous forearm aches
– Continuous pain around the forearm muscles
– Muscle weakness
– Reduced elbow movement
– Restrained forearm movement

Symptoms that indicate infection or nerve impingement, for which you should consult a doctor
urgently:
– A lump or bump in the elbow or forearm
– Numbness
– Swelling of the elbow
– Weakness which is getting worse
– Redness or a warm feeling around the joint

The elbow and forearm ultrasound scan is a pain free examination which will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Here is what happens at your appointment:

1. Once you arrive, you’ll be asked asked to remove any jewellery, accessories and other objects which may interfere with the ultrasound scan.

2. Your doctor will then apply a water based gel to the skin around your elbow and forearm. The gel works alongside a handheld scanning device to create images by helping sound waves pass through the body more efficiently.

3. To begin the examination, a handheld scanning device will be placed on your affected elbow and forearm and then manoeuvred around it whilst applying gentle pressure in order to get clear images which will be visible in real-time on a display screen for your doctor. The procedure does not cause any discomfort. * The ultrasound transducer head which sends high frequency sound waves into the body and picks up responding signals.

4. Once your doctor is satisfied with the quantity and quality of images, the gel will be wiped off your
skin, you can then get dressed.

5. The doctor will discuss the results of the scan with you. A specialist consultant radiologist will review and assess your scan results and provide a comprehensive medical report for you and your doctor. We will email or post this report separately to you and your
doctor within x-x working days. As the scan is non-invasive and non-surgical there is no aftercare or recovery requirements so you can
go home immediately after your appointment.

No preparation is required for this scan, however, we recommend wearing loose clothing which will make it easy to expose your elbow for examination.