Persistent Medial Elbow Pain (Golfer’s Elbow or Medial Ligament Injury): When an MRI Scan Is Indicated

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is meant by persistent medial elbow pain?

Medial elbow pain refers to pain felt on the inner side of the elbow, near the bony prominence (medial epicondyle). It is considered persistent when:

  • Symptoms last more than 4–6 weeks
  • Pain does not improve with rest, physiotherapy, or medication
  • Pain recurs repeatedly with activity

This type of pain commonly affects people who perform repetitive gripping, lifting, or throwing activities.

What conditions commonly cause medial elbow pain?

Common causes include:

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
  • Degeneration or partial tearing of the common flexor tendon
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury
  • Combined tendon and ligament pathology
  • Joint or cartilage involvement in some cases

More than one structure may be involved at the same time.

Why does medial elbow pain sometimes fail to improve with treatment?

Medial elbow pain may persist when:

  • The exact structure causing pain is not identified
  • Partial tendon or ligament tears are missed
  • Treatment is based on assumption rather than diagnosis

Without precise identification, care often becomes repetitive and ineffective.

Why is MRI important for persistent medial elbow pain?

Core Medical Principles

  • MRI is one of the most accurate imaging modalities currently available.
  • Without accurate imaging, no doctor—regardless of experience—can reliably make a precise diagnosis.
  • Without accurate diagnosis, treatment plans become generic, presumptive, and often fail.
  • Many failed treatments are due to trial-and-error care without imaging.
  • Based on modern medical technology and current standard of care, MRI should be considered when medial elbow pain is persistent or recurrent.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows assessment of:

  • Flexor tendon integrity
  • Partial or complete tendon tears
  • Ulnar collateral ligament injury
  • Cartilage and joint involvement
  • Bone marrow changes

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays can assess bone alignment but cannot:

  • Visualise tendons or ligaments
  • Detect partial tears
  • Identify soft tissue degeneration

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably distinguish between tendon and ligament causes.

What happens if MRI is delayed?

Delaying MRI may lead to:

  • Chronic elbow pain
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Ongoing difficulty with work or sport
  • Repeated ineffective treatments

Early imaging helps guide more targeted and effective management.

Addressing common patient concerns

Cost concerns
MRI costs may be partially offset by insurance or Medisave.

Delays elsewhere
Many patients experience long waiting times when referred to external imaging centres.

Why arrange your elbow MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Convenient parking available
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor assessment and immediate MRI arrangement
  • No need to visit a separate imaging centre
  • No need to see another doctor just for an MRI referral
  • Doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave be used for elbow MRI?

MRI may be covered by:

  • Personal accident insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Company insurance
  • Company flexi-benefits
  • Hospitalisation plans (policy-dependent)

Medisave limits

  • Current: $300
  • From 1 January 2026: $600

Medisave can potentially cover more than half of the MRI cost, depending on eligibility.

When should I consider an MRI for medial elbow pain?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Inner elbow pain persists despite treatment
  • Pain affects grip strength or daily activities
  • Symptoms recur or worsen with use

MRI helps move care from assumption-based treatment to precise, evidence-based diagnosis.

For more information or to arrange an MRI scan, contact The Pain Relief Clinic via WhatsApp at +65 9068 9605.

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