Persistent Medial Elbow Pain: When an MRI Scan Is Necessary

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is medial elbow pain?

Medial elbow pain refers to pain felt on the inner side of the elbow, close to the bony prominence (medial epicondyle). It commonly occurs with:

  • Gripping or lifting
  • Wrist flexion
  • Throwing or overhead activities
  • Repetitive arm use

This type of pain is frequently seen in golfers, throwers, manual workers, and gym-goers.

What conditions commonly cause persistent medial elbow pain?

Common causes include:

  • Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
  • Degeneration or tearing of the common flexor tendon
  • Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injury
  • Combined tendon and ligament pathology
  • Less commonly, nerve irritation around the elbow

These conditions often coexist and cannot be reliably differentiated without imaging.

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

Medial elbow pain may persist when:

  • Tendon degeneration is mistaken for simple inflammation
  • Partial tendon or ligament tears are missed
  • Treatment focuses only on pain relief rather than structural integrity

Without identifying the exact structure involved, treatment often becomes repetitive and ineffective.

Why is MRI important in 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 despite conservative treatment.
  • MRI is safe and does NOT involve ionising radiation.

MRI allows assessment of:

  • Common flexor tendon integrity
  • Degree of tendon degeneration or tearing
  • Ulnar collateral ligament condition
  • Joint inflammation or associated pathology

Why are examination and X-rays often insufficient?

X-rays are useful for assessing bone alignment but cannot:

  • Visualise tendon or ligament damage
  • Detect partial tears
  • Assess soft tissue degeneration

Clinical examination alone cannot reliably define the underlying pathology.

What happens if MRI is delayed?

Delaying MRI may result in:

  • Chronic pain and weakness
  • Reduced grip strength
  • Prolonged limitation of work or sport
  • Repeated ineffective physiotherapy or injections

Early imaging supports targeted, evidence-based 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 involve long waiting times.

These factors commonly delay definitive 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 consider an MRI for medial elbow pain?

MRI should be considered if:

  • Inner elbow pain persists despite treatment
  • Pain limits gripping, lifting, or sports activity
  • Symptoms recur or progressively worsen

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.

Ask Dr Tan A Question About Your Problem