Frequent Causes of Elbow Pain
Discover the frequent causes of elbow pain, including conditions like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and bursitis. Learn how to identify symptoms and explore treatment options for relief.
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Last updated on 14th Jun, 2025
Introduction
Elbow pain refers to discomfort or soreness in and around the elbow joint. This pain can occur on the inside, outside, or deep within the elbow. It may affect either the left or right elbow, or both. You might experience pain when lifting objects, straightening your arm, or bending it. The pain can be sharp or dull in nature.
In most cases, elbow pain results from inflammation or strain of the soft tissues, such as tendons. Often, you can manage this pain at home with simple self-care, including pain relief medications and rest. However, in some instances, an underlying medical condition like arthritis may be the cause of the pain. In this blog, we will explore everything you need to know about elbow pain.
Common Conditions Causing Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is often caused by inflammation and strain in the soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. Other factors, including medical conditions, injuries, and scar tissue, can also contribute to discomfort and stiffness in the elbow joint and surrounding muscles. The following are common causes of elbow pain:
1. Tendinitis: Tendinitis (or tendonitis) occurs when the tendons, which connect muscles to bones, become injured or inflamed. This often results from overuse. Common types of tendinitis affecting the elbow include tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Activities that can cause elbow tendinitis include:
Gardening
Throwing a baseball
Using a screwdriver
Overuse of the arm or wrist
2. Arthritis: Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Different types of arthritis can affect the elbow joint, including:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the healthy lining of joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function.
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition where cartilage breaks down over time, leading to pain and stiffness as bones rub together.
Juvenile Arthritis: A group of diseases affecting children under 16, causing joint pain and swelling, including in the elbows.
Psoriatic Arthritis: An autoimmune disease linked to the skin condition psoriasis, leading to pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints.
Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, which causes pain, swelling, and redness around the elbows.
3. Bursitis: Bursitis occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs beneath the skin at the elbow tips, become inflamed, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
4. Nursemaid’s Elbow: Nursemaid's elbow is a condition affecting babies and young children, often caused by pulling on a child's arm, which partially dislocates a small bone in the elbow joint.
5. Lupus: Lupus is a chronic autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy tissues, often affecting the hands and feet, but it can also cause pain and swelling in the elbows.
6. Injuries: Elbow pain can also result from direct injuries, including:
Fractures
Sprains
Strains
Dislocations
Tendon tears
Medical Evaluation and Diagnosis
The steps for medical evaluation and diagnosis of elbow pain are as follows:
1. Clinical Examination
During a medical evaluation for elbow pain, the doctor will begin by assessing the affected area to determine the underlying cause. The examination typically includes checking for swelling, tenderness, and any visible deformities. The doctor will evaluate the range of motion by asking the patient to bend, straighten, and rotate the arm. Strength and grip tests may also be conducted to assess muscle function. Additionally, the physician will consider the patient’s medical history, previous injuries, and any activities that may have contributed to the pain. This thorough evaluation helps in identifying whether the pain is due to an injury, inflammation, or an underlying medical condition.
2. Imaging Techniques
If further evaluation is needed, your doctor may recommend imaging tests to identify the cause of your elbow pain. These tests may include:
X-ray: A common imaging test used to detect fractures, arthritis, or bone abnormalities.
Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create real-time images of soft tissues, helping assess tendons, ligaments, and bursae.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Utilizes magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of bones, cartilage, and soft tissues, which can help diagnose tendon tears, ligament injuries, or nerve compression.
Nerve Conduction Study (NCS): Measures how well nerves transmit electrical signals by using mild electrical impulses, helping diagnose nerve-related conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome.
These diagnostic tools allow healthcare providers to accurately determine the underlying cause of elbow pain and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Elbow Pain
The treatment option for elbow pain are as follows:
1. Conservative Treatments: Rest, Ice, and Physical Therapy
Conservative treatments includes:
Rest the elbow by avoiding activities that cause strain or pain.
Apply ice packs for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol.
Engage in physiotherapy to strengthen the elbow, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
2. Medications and Injections
Medications and injections includes:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce pain and inflammation.
Prescription pain relievers: Stronger analgesics may be recommended for persistent pain.
Corticosteroid injections: Provide temporary relief from inflammation and pain.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: Used to promote healing in conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
3. Surgical Interventions
Surgical interventions includes:
Surgery is considered only when conservative treatments fail.
Procedures may involve repairing tendons, ligaments, or bone structures.
Post-surgery rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength and mobility.
Prevention and Management
The following are the ways for prevention and management:
1. Ergonomic Adjustments and Technique Corrections
Ergonomic adjustments and technique corrections includes:
Warm up thoroughly before engaging in physical activities such as sports or weightlifting.
Use proper form and technique when performing tasks that put stress on the elbow, such as lifting weights or repetitive work-related movements.
Ensure correct ergonomics in daily activities, including workstation setup and posture adjustments.
Take adequate rest breaks and allow sufficient recovery time between activities to prevent overuse injuries.
2. Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises
Strengthening and flexibility exercises includes:
Incorporate targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow, reducing strain on the joint.
Perform flexibility and stretching routines to maintain mobility and prevent stiffness.
Cool down properly after workouts or strenuous activities to aid muscle recovery.
Consult a physiotherapist for personalised exercise programmes to prevent injuries and manage existing conditions effectively.
Conclusion
Elbow pain is a common condition that can arise from various causes, including inflammation, repetitive strain, injuries, and underlying medical conditions such as arthritis. While mild cases often resolve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relief, persistent or severe pain may require medical intervention, including physical therapy, medications, injections, or, in rare cases, surgery.
Early diagnosis through clinical examination and imaging techniques is essential in determining the underlying cause of elbow pain and guiding appropriate treatment. Conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy and ergonomic adjustments, play a crucial role in pain management and recovery. Preventive measures, such as maintaining proper technique in physical activities, incorporating strengthening and flexibility exercises, and making ergonomic adjustments, can significantly reduce the risk of developing elbow pain. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalised guidance ensures a tailored approach to treatment and prevention.
By taking proactive steps and seeking timely medical advice, individuals can effectively manage elbow pain, maintain joint health, and continue to engage in daily activities without discomfort.
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