What muscles could cause inner elbow pain?

Muscles that may contribute to inner elbow pain include flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longus, flexor digitorum superficialis, Humeral head of left pronator teres, Humeral head of right pronator teres, flexor digitorum profundus. Trigger points, strains, or weakness in these muscles can refer pain to this area.

Forearm

Inner Elbow

Q: What causes pain in the inner elbow?

Common causes of inner elbow pain include golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) from repetitive gripping, wrist flexor strain from throwing or racket sports, ulnar nerve irritation at the cubital tunnel, overuse from heavy lifting with a flexed wrist, repetitive pronation movements. The specific cause depends on the nature of the pain, how it started, and which movements aggravate it.

Pain on the inner elbow is commonly called golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis. It affects the wrist flexor muscles and pronators that attach to the medial epicondyle, and is aggravated by gripping, twisting, and flexing the wrist.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment of any pain or medical condition.

Common Causes

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) from repetitive gripping

Wrist flexor strain from throwing or racket sports

Ulnar nerve irritation at the cubital tunnel

Overuse from heavy lifting with a flexed wrist

Repetitive pronation movements

Muscles in This Area

Forearm

flexor carpi radialis

Flexor carpi radialis is a forearm muscle that flexes and abducts the wrist toward the thumb side. Vital for hammering motions, pull-ups, and racket swings. Fitness staple for wrist strength in gymnastics and weights.

Flexor carpi radialis tendinopathyMedian nerve entrapment

Forearm

palmaris longus

The palmaris longus is a slender forearm muscle running from elbow to palm, aiding wrist flexion and tensing the palmar aponeurosis for grip. Absent in 14% of people, it's key for climbers and grip athletes. It contributes to forearm endurance in pulling exercises.

Palmaris longus tendonitisMedian nerve entrapment

Forearm

flexor digitorum superficialis

This superficial forearm muscle flexes the middle joints of fingers 2-5, key for precise hand control in sports like tennis or guitar playing. It sits in the anterior forearm, aiding in everything from typing to throwing. Balanced strength prevents imbalances with extensors.

Flexor digitorum superficialis tendinopathyMedial epicondylitisCarpal tunnel syndrome

Forearm

Humeral head of left pronator teres

The humeral head of the left pronator teres originates from your left inner elbow and crosses to the mid-forearm, rotating the forearm palm-down. It's key for turning motions in daily tasks and sports like golf or throwing. Building it prevents forearm fatigue and rotation imbalances.

Pronator teres syndromeMedial epicondylitisAnterior interosseous nerve compression

Forearm

Humeral head of right pronator teres

This right-side humeral head of pronator teres links inner right elbow to mid-forearm, powering palm-down rotation for throwing, swinging, or tool use. Essential for right-dominant athletes to balance forearm rotators and avoid overuse.

Pronator teres syndromeMedial epicondylitisAnterior interosseous nerve compression

Forearm

flexor digitorum profundus

Located in the deep anterior forearm, the flexor digitorum profundus flexes the distal joints of fingers 2-5, enabling a strong grip. It's vital for power activities like rock climbing, weightlifting, or crushing a grip trainer. Weakness here leads to dropped fingers and poor hand function.

Flexor digitorum profundus strainTrigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)Anterior interosseous syndrome

Stretches That May Help

Wrist flexor stretch

Prayer stretch

Palmaris longus tendon glide

Reverse prayer stretch

Forearm flexor wall stretch

Finger spread extension

Supinator stretch (passive forearm supination)

Cross-body pronator stretch

Wall-assisted forearm rotation stretch

Prayer stretch with finger extension

Finger extensor glide

Recommended Exercises

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical attention if you experience tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers, persistent weakness in the hand, or if elbow pain does not improve after several weeks of rest.