Elbow Pain: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Care
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Introduction
Elbow pain can result from overuse, injury, arthritis, bursitis, nerve pressure, or pain from another area 5,9. It may feel sharp, aching, constant, or worse during movement 3,9. Swelling, stiffness, weakness, numbness, or tingling may occur with the pain 3,6,9.
Many mild overuse problems improve with rest and basic home care 9,10. However, fractures, dislocations, infections, and nerve problems may need medical treatment 1,2,9.
This guide covers elbow pain symptoms, common causes, treatment, and when to seek care.
Overview of Elbow Pain
The elbow joins the upper arm bone to the radius and ulna in the forearm 5. It allows the arm to bend, straighten, and rotate 3,5. Muscles, tendons, ligaments, bursae, nerves, and blood vessels surround this joint 1,5.
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions nearby tissues 6. Ligaments connect bones and help keep the joint stable 1. Tendons connect muscles to bones and help control movement 4,5.
This complex structure can make the source of elbow pain hard to identify 4,7. Pain location and triggering movements can provide useful clues 4,7. Related symptoms can also help guide the examination 7,9.
Trauma needs careful assessment because important nerves and blood vessels pass near the elbow 1,2. A clinician may examine the whole arm, from the shoulder through the hand 1. This examination can help identify injuries outside the painful area 1.
Elbow Pain Symptoms and What They May Mean
Common pain patterns and related symptoms
Elbow pain may come and go, worsen with movement, or remain constant 3. It may feel sharp, aching, dull, or shooting 3,9. Some people have trouble naming the exact movement that causes pain 3.
Bending or straightening the elbow may trigger symptoms 3,9. Turning the palm upward or downward may also cause pain 2,3. These movements rotate the forearm at the elbow 3,5.
Related symptoms may help narrow the possible cause:
Swelling may occur with bursitis, arthritis, fractures, dislocations, or other injuries 1,2,6,9.
Stiffness may make normal elbow movement difficult 9.
Bruising can follow a ligament injury or other elbow trauma 1,4,10.
Grip weakness may occur with inner elbow tendinopathy 4.
Numbness or tingling may suggest pressure or injury affecting a nearby nerve 2,3,7.
Warmth and skin color changes may occur with infected elbow bursitis 6.
Painful clicking and weakness may occur with repeated elbow instability 1.
Catching or locking may suggest a problem within the joint 7.
Symptoms provide clues, but they cannot confirm a diagnosis. An examination is important after trauma or when hand function changes 1,2.
How pain location can offer clues
Clinicians often group elbow pain by its location 4. The four main regions are the front, inner side, outer side, and back 4.
Outer elbow pain often involves lateral epicondylitis, also called tennis elbow 4,9. Radial tunnel syndrome can also cause pain in this area 7,9. Joint problems may produce outer elbow pain as well 7.
Inner elbow pain may involve golfer’s elbow or the ulnar nerve 4,7. It may also involve the ulnar collateral ligament, called the UCL 4,7. This ligament helps resist stress during overhead throwing 4.
Front elbow pain may involve the lower biceps tendon 4,7. Biceps tendon pain may worsen with resisted bending or palm-up rotation 4. Some nerve problems can also produce pain at the front of the elbow 7.
Back elbow pain may involve the triceps tendon or olecranon bursa 4,7. The olecranon is the pointed bone at the elbow’s back 6. Olecranon bursitis often causes swelling over this point 4,6.
Mechanical and nerve-related symptoms
Clicking, catching, or locking may point to a problem inside the joint 7. Repeated instability can cause painful clicking and weakness 1. These mechanical symptoms may become noticeable during elbow movement 1,7.
Nerve pressure can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness 3,7,9. Cubital tunnel syndrome affects the inner elbow area 9. Radial tunnel syndrome causes symptoms near the outer elbow 9.
Weakness or unusual sensations may also come from a neck nerve problem 5,7. Pain can travel to the elbow from the neck, upper spine, or shoulder 3,5.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Overuse injuries and tendon problems
Repeated strain often affects elbow tendons, bursae, or nerves 9. Work, sports, and hobbies may place repeated loads on the same tissues 4,7. Symptoms may appear slowly without one clear injury 1,7.
Lateral epicondylitis is commonly called tennis elbow 4,9. It affects a tendon attachment on the elbow’s outer side 4. Repeated work or sports movements are common links to this disorder 4.
Medial epicondylitis is also called golfer’s elbow 4,9. It affects the common flexor tendon on the inner side 4. Repeated wrist bending and forearm rotation may contribute 4.
Both conditions are tendinopathies, which are disorders involving tendons 4. Pain and tenderness may increase during certain resisted movements 4. Inner elbow tendinopathy may also cause reduced grip strength 4.
Biceps tendinopathy may cause vague pain at the elbow’s front 4. Repeated elbow bending and forearm rotation may contribute 4. Resisted bending or palm-up rotation may bring on the pain 4.
Throwing athletes may injure the UCL on the elbow’s inner side 4. An acute UCL injury may cause a pop, pain, and bruising 4. Repeated throwing can also produce long-term ligament strain 1.
Bursitis
Olecranon bursitis affects the fluid-filled sac over the elbow tip 6. It often causes pain and swelling at the elbow’s back 4,6. Large swelling may make daily activities harder 6.
Possible causes of olecranon bursitis include repeated pressure, overuse, trauma, and infection 6. Frequent leaning on the elbows can increase pressure on this bursa 6. Arthritis and bone spurs may also contribute 6.
Infected bursitis may cause warmth and skin discoloration 6. A clinician may collect bursal fluid when infection is possible 4,6. Treatment depends on whether an infection is present 6.
Arthritis and nerve compression
Arthritis can cause pain and swelling within the elbow joint 9. Elbow arthritis may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or gout 9. Arthritis may also contribute to olecranon bursitis 6.
Several major nerves travel close to the elbow 5,7. Repeated motion or pressure may compress one of these nerves 9. Symptoms may include pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling 3,7.
Cubital tunnel syndrome involves the ulnar nerve near the inner elbow 9. Radial tunnel syndrome causes pain near the elbow’s outer side 9. Median nerve pressure below the elbow may cause front pain and hand tingling 7.
Sprains, fractures, dislocations, and referred pain
Falls, direct blows, and sports injuries can damage several elbow structures 1,2. Injuries may include bruises, sprains, strains, ligament damage, fractures, or dislocations 1,9. Some severe injuries affect both bones and supporting ligaments 1.
Elbow fractures often follow a fall onto an outstretched hand 2. A direct blow may also cause a fracture 2. Symptoms can include sharp pain, swelling, tenderness, and limited movement 2.
Turning the palm upward or downward may hurt after a fracture 2. Swelling may hide the elbow’s normal shape 2. A major fracture or dislocation may cause visible deformity 1,2.
Some simple dislocations receive nonsurgical treatment after medical evaluation 1. Repeated dislocation or partial dislocation can cause clicking and weakness 1.
The painful elbow is not always the original source 3,5. Pain may travel from the neck, upper spine, or shoulder 3,5. Clinicians call this referred pain 5.
How Elbow Pain Is Diagnosed
Questions about symptoms, activities, and injuries
Diagnosis begins with a health history and focused examination 4,7. A clinician may ask when the pain started and what happened before it began 4. The exact pain location may help identify the affected structure 4,7.
Other questions may cover pain during movement or rest 7. The clinician may ask about numbness, weakness, clicking, catching, or locking 7. Pain that travels along the arm is another useful detail 7.
Work, sports, and hobbies can provide important clues 4,7. Repeated lifting, gripping, throwing, or rotating may stress certain tissues 4,7. A recent fall or direct blow changes the evaluation 1,2.
Physical and neurovascular examination
The examination may check swelling, bruising, warmth, tenderness, and deformity 1,2,6. A clinician may compare both elbows during some tests 4. Strength and stability checks may assess tendons and ligaments 4.
Movement testing includes bending and straightening the elbow 2. It also includes turning the palm downward and upward 2. These movements are called pronation and supination 2.
Normal movement lowers concern for a major fracture 2. However, it does not exclude every injury inside the joint 2.
A neurovascular examination checks nerves and blood flow. It may include the following steps:
The clinician may feel the wrist pulse to assess blood flow 2.
Hand sensation may be tested for signs of nerve involvement 2.
Finger movements may help test several nerves near the elbow 2,8.
An “OK” sign may help test one branch of the median nerve 2.
Skin color and limb temperature may be checked after serious trauma 1.
These checks matter because nerves and blood vessels pass close to the elbow 1,2. Displaced childhood fractures above the elbow can harm the brachial artery 2. These fractures can also injure the nearby median nerve 2.
When imaging or other tests may be needed
Plain X-rays are generally the first imaging choice for acute elbow injuries 4. They can show bone injury, soft-tissue swelling, and fluid within the joint 4. Some childhood fractures may look subtle on standard X-rays 2.
MRI is often preferred when chronic elbow pain needs imaging 4. It can help assess tendons and other soft tissues 4. Ultrasound can show commonly injured structures while they move 4.
Ultrasound or MRI may show changes in the lower biceps tendon 4. Nerve conduction studies may help assess suspected nerve compression 7. These tests can miss some nerve compression disorders 7.
Blood tests may help when infected bursitis is possible 6. A clinician may also remove and test fluid from the bursa 4,6.
Elbow Pain Treatment and Home Care
Safe first steps for mild elbow pain
Adults may try home care for mild pain without a memorable injury 9. Protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are common early measures 7,10. Reduce activities that place extra strain on the elbow 9,10.
These steps may help manage mild elbow pain:
Protect the elbow from further injury with a suitable brace or splint 10.
Rest from the movement or activity that caused the pain 9,10.
Apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes, three times daily 10.
Use an elastic wrap or sleeve to reduce swelling and add support 10.
Raise the arm to help reduce swelling 10.
Nonprescription pain medicines are another option for some adults 9,10. Listed choices include acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen 9,10. Topical products may contain menthol, lidocaine, or diclofenac 10.
Home care does not suit every elbow problem. Pain that persists or worsens needs assessment 9,10.
Medical treatment and rehabilitation
Elbow pain treatment depends on its cause 9. Options may include a brace, taping, medicines, physical therapy, injections, or a procedure 9. An infected disorder needs different care than a noninfected overuse injury 6.
Physical therapy may include stretching, strengthening, and massage 9. These methods can support injured elbow tissues during recovery 9. A therapist may also address movements that keep straining the area 9.
Tendons and ligaments heal slowly 9. Some repetitive strain injuries may need more recovery time than expected 9. Bracing or taping may support tissues while they heal 9.
Bursitis without infection may respond to rest and anti-inflammatory medicine 6. Temporary use of a splint or brace may also help 6. Testing may be needed when infection remains possible 6.
When surgery or specialist care may be considered
Complex bone and ligament injuries may need a surgical consultation 1. Care can range from supportive treatment to surgery 1. The injury pattern and severity guide that choice 1.
Fracture treatment may involve immobilization or surgical fixation 2. Immobilization limits movement while the fracture heals. Surgical fixation holds injured bone in place.
Surgery may remove long-term damaged tissue or release a trapped nerve 9. Repeated elbow instability may also need specialist assessment 1. Children with a pulled elbow need treatment by an experienced clinician 9.
When to See a Doctor for Elbow Pain
Emergency warning signs
Some elbow injuries need emergency care rather than home treatment. Seek emergency care now in these situations:
If the elbow has an unusual angle or severe deformity, go to an emergency room now 10.
If a bone is visible through the skin, go to an emergency room now 10.
If severe post-traumatic pain occurs with tight swelling or numbness, seek emergency evaluation now 1.
If a post-traumatic hand becomes pale or lacks a pulse, seek emergency evaluation now 1.
Severe pain beyond what the injury suggests may occur with acute compartment syndrome 1. Tight swelling, tingling, numbness, weakness, or color changes may also occur 1. Late findings can include paralysis and permanent damage 1.
Reasons to arrange prompt medical evaluation
Some warning signs need fast assessment but are not listed as emergency signs here. Arrange medical care as soon as possible in these situations:
Seek medical assessment after a sudden injury with a snap or cracking sound 10.
Seek timely assessment for severe pain, swelling, or bruising around the joint 10.
Seek timely assessment if moving the elbow or rotating the forearm becomes difficult 10.
Arrange an appointment when pain does not improve with home care 10.
Arrange an appointment when pain occurs while the arm is resting 10.
Arrange an appointment for worsening redness, swelling, or elbow pain 10.
Numbness after an injury may indicate possible nerve involvement 2. Weakness or tingling may also suggest nerve pressure or a neck nerve problem 7. Warm, discolored swelling may occur with infected bursitis 6.
Special concerns for children and older adults
Childhood elbow fractures often result from falls onto an outstretched hand 2. Some fracture lines are hard to see on standard X-rays 2. Children with elbow pain should receive professional assessment 9.
Supracondylar fractures occur just above the elbow in children 2. A displaced fracture can harm the brachial artery or median nerve 2. Prompt nerve and blood-flow checks are important for these injuries 2.
Older adults can develop elbow fractures after low-energy falls 1. Reduced balance, muscle mass, vision, and bone strength may add to this risk 1. Medical history and examination help guide care after such trauma 1.
Conclusion
Elbow pain may begin in tendons, bursae, nerves, joints, bones, or nearby areas 5,9. Pain location and movement patterns can provide clues 4,7. However, they do not replace a medical examination.
Mild adult overuse pain may improve with protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation 9,10. Persistent pain, rest pain, worsening swelling, or reduced movement needs medical assessment 10. Severe deformity or visible bone requires emergency care now 10.
Knowing elbow pain symptoms, common causes, treatment, and when to seek care supports safer choices. Careful assessment matters after trauma or when nerve and blood-flow injury is possible 1,2. Treatment should match the condition causing the pain 9.
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