Since pain around the forearm and elbow can have so many causes, an ultrasound is always a good idea for an accurate diagnosis. See your doctor if you experience: Ongoing elbow aches Pain around the elbow muscles Ongoing forearm aches, or pain around the forearm muscles Muscle weakness Restricted elbow movement Restricted forearm movement Ask to see a doctor urgently if you have: Elbow swelling An elbow lump/bump A forearm lump/bump Numbness Weakness that’s getting worse Heat or redness around the joint These symptoms suggest a possible infection or nerve impingement and should be investigated promptly. A numb or weak joint must always be taken seriously. In many cases, elbow aches and forearm aches have benign causes, and they improve with rest. If you don’t notice an improvement after a few weeks of rest and pain management, ask for a scan.