Can Carpal Tunnel Cause Elbow Pain?

Yes, patients with carpal tunnel symptoms can feel the pain radiate up the arm towards the elbow, or even up to the shoulder.

Many people are familiar with the concept of referred pain, where pain is felt in a location different from its actual origin.

Just as issues in the neck and shoulder can lead to pain radiating down the hand, carpal tunnel syndrome – caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist – can result in local pain. This pain can also radiate up the arm, reaching as far as the elbow or even the shoulder.

Therefore, a comprehensive physical examination is crucial. It ensures that a patient’s symptoms, pain characteristics, and physical findings are aligned, which in turn helps in accurately diagnosing the affected structures and administering the right treatment.