Persistent Medial Elbow Pain: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is medial elbow pain?

Medial elbow pain is pain felt on the inner side of the elbow, near the bony prominence known as the medial epicondyle. It commonly affects:

  • Golfers and racket-sport players
  • Manual workers
  • Individuals who perform repetitive gripping or lifting
  • Office workers with prolonged strain

Pain may be gradual or develop after repeated use.

What conditions commonly cause persistent 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
  • Joint inflammation or cartilage injury
  • Nerve irritation near the elbow

These conditions often overlap and cannot be reliably distinguished without imaging.

When is medial elbow pain considered persistent or concerning?

Medial elbow pain should be considered persistent when:

  • Symptoms last longer than 4–6 weeks
  • Pain does not improve with rest or physiotherapy
  • Pain interferes with gripping, lifting, or work activities
  • Symptoms recur repeatedly after temporary improvement

At this stage, further evaluation is warranted.

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 persists or fails to respond to treatment.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI can evaluate:

  • Common flexor tendon integrity
  • Partial or complete tendon tears
  • UCL injury or degeneration
  • Cartilage surfaces and joint effusion
  • Bone marrow changes

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays can assess bone alignment and arthritis but cannot:

  • Visualise tendon degeneration or tears
  • Detect ligament injury
  • Identify early cartilage or bone marrow pathology

Clinical examination alone cannot confirm the exact pain generator.

What happens if MRI is delayed?

Delaying MRI may result in:

  • Prolonged pain and loss of grip strength
  • Repeated ineffective physiotherapy or injections
  • Delayed return to work or sport

Early imaging helps guide targeted and effective management.

Is MRI expensive or difficult to arrange?

Addressing Patient Objections

  • Cost concerns: MRI costs may be partially offset by Medisave or insurance.
  • Delays elsewhere: Many imaging centres require referrals and have long waiting times.

These factors often delay accurate diagnosis.

Why arrange your elbow MRI at The Pain Relief Clinic?

Clinic Positioning

The Pain Relief Clinic is:

  • Centrally located at 350 Orchard Road, Shaw House
  • A 5-minute walk from Orchard MRT
  • Equipped with convenient parking
  • Located immediately outside ERP

Key advantages:

  • MRI machine on-site
  • Doctor can assess and arrange MRI immediately
  • No need to:
    • Visit a separate imaging centre
    • Find another doctor just for an MRI referral
  • The doctor has been helping patients with spine and joint-related problems since 2007 (18 years)
  • Focus on non-invasive, technology-powered treatments

MRI aims:

  • Under $1000
  • Within 1 working day

Can insurance or Medisave help cover elbow MRI costs?

Insurance & Cost Information

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 seriously consider an MRI for medial elbow pain?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Inner elbow pain persists despite appropriate treatment
  • Pain affects gripping, lifting, or work performance
  • Symptoms recur or progressively worsen

MRI helps move care from assumption-based management 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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