Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can result from various causes, including overuse, injury, or underlying conditions like arthritis. While many cases improve with rest, ice, and medication, severe or persistent pain in your elbow joint may require physiotherapy, injections, or even surgery. This page explores symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options to help you find relief and regain your elbow function.

What is elbow pain?

Your elbow is a complex joint where three bones meet: your humerus, ulna, and radius, and are supported by cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. This intricate structure allows essential movements like lifting and throwing. However, with so many moving parts, it’s no surprise that your elbow is vulnerable to injuries and conditions that can cause pain.

Whether it's a strain, inflammation of soft tissues like tendons, or damage to the bones, ligaments, or nerves, any disturbance can lead to discomfort. Most pain in the elbow joint is caused by simple issues such as overuse or minor strains and tends to resolve with rest and over-the-counter treatments. However, prolonged immobility can lead to stiffness and further complications, so gentle exercises can aid recovery and help prevent recurring problems.

In some cases, persistent or severe elbow joint pain may be linked to conditions like arthritis or require medical attention. By understanding the nature of elbow pain and its common causes, you can better manage symptoms and seek appropriate care. 

What causes elbow pain?

Elbow pain can result from a variety of issues, ranging from minor strains to medical conditions affecting your joint and surrounding structures. Recognising the specific cause of your elbow pain is crucial for appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and restore functionality. If elbow soreness and pain persist, consulting a healthcare professional is recommended.

Here are the possible causes:  

Injury

• Fractures - breaking one of the bones in your elbow, often caused by falls or direct impacts, can lead to significant elbow bone pain, swelling, and limited movement.  
• Dislocations - when the bones in your elbow joint are forced out of alignment, it can cause severe pain and deformity.  
• Sprains and strains - overstretching or tearing your ligaments, tendons, or muscles during physical activity or accidents can result in elbow pain.  
• Overuse injuries - repeated motions, such as throwing or lifting, can cause conditions like tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, leading to inflammation and discomfort.  

Arthritis 

• Osteoarthritis - results from the gradual wear and tear of cartilage within your elbow joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. While not common in the elbow, it can occur after previous injuries.  
• Rheumatoid arthritis - an autoimmune condition where your immune system mistakenly attacks your elbow joint, causing swelling, redness, and tenderness.  
• Psoriatic arthritis – linked to the skin condition psoriasis, this type can cause joint pain and swelling, often alongside red, scaly patches of skin.  
• Gout - caused by a buildup of urate crystals, resulting in sudden and intense pain, redness, and swelling in your joint.

Tendinitis

Overuse of tendons, such as in tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, can cause inflammation, resulting in localised pain and difficulty with movement.  

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that cushions your joint) can lead to swelling and tenderness in your elbow, often due to repetitive motions or prolonged pressure on your joint.  

Scar tissue formation

After injury or surgery, scar tissue can lead to stiffness and restricted movement in your elbow.  

Nerve compression 

Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome occur when a nerve is compressed, causing pain, numbness, or tingling, often radiating down your arm.  

Joint locking

Occasionally, your elbow may lock in a fixed position. This might be due to loose fragments of bone or cartilage within your joint that often require surgical removal to restore smooth movement.

Symptoms of elbow pain 

Elbow pain can present in a variety of ways. The type, location, and accompanying symptoms can provide valuable clues about the underlying cause and guide treatment. Here are some common types of elbow pain and symptoms, along with potential causes:

• Inner elbow pain - linked to golfer’s elbow (inflamed tendons).  
• Outer elbow pain - often caused by tennis elbow (overuse injuries).  
• Sharp pain - may indicate injury, such as sprains, fractures, or dislocations.  
• Dull ache - could signal arthritis or chronic joint issues.  
• Tingling/numbness - points to nerve compression like cubital tunnel syndrome.  
• Deep joint pain - possible bursitis or loose bone/cartilage fragments.  
• Stiffness/restricted motion - may follow surgery, injury, or arthritis.  
• Swelling - is common in bursitis or trauma.  
• Bruising - suggests acute injuries like fractures.  
• Weak grip - is related to overuse injuries or tendon issues.  

Elbow pain when bending and straightening the arm

Pain during elbow movement can result from:

• Tendinitis - includes tennis elbow (outer elbow pain), golfer’s elbow (inner elbow pain), and biceps tendinitis (inflammation of the biceps tendon). Tendinitis often occurs from repetitive motions or overuse.
• Bursitis – bursa swelling can cause discomfort during movement.
  Cubital tunnel syndrome - compression of your ulnar nerve leads to pain or tingling.
• Elbow osteoarthritis - cartilage degeneration causes stiffness and pain.
• Loose bone or cartilage fragments - can obstruct movement and cause pain.

If you have persistent elbow pain when bending and straightening your arm, you should see a healthcare professional.

Pain elbow on the inner elbow

Pain inside the elbow may result from:  

• Tendinitis - overuse of your tendons, such as golfer’s elbow, leads to irritation and pain during movement.  
• Ulnar nerve compression - causes pain, tingling, or numbness.  
• Injury - by direct trauma or strain to your inner elbow.  

Rest and activity modifications can help, but persistent inner elbow pain may need medical attention.  

Elbow pain when lifting

Elbow pain when lifting may result from:  

• Tendinitis - overuse injuries, including tennis elbow (outer elbow pain) and golfer’s elbow (inner elbow pain), caused by inflammation of your tendons from repetitive motions.  
• Arthritis - joint degeneration or inflammation that affects movement.  
• Nerve compression - conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome cause pain or weakness.  
• Injury - strains, sprains, or fractures from lifting heavy objects.  

Persistent pain may need professional evaluation.

Elbow pain treatment

There are a variety of elbow pain treatments and their use depends on the severity and cause of your condition.

Physiotherapy and targeted exercises are effective in improving flexibility and strength, while over-the-counter pain relief can offer quick solutions for managing discomfort.

For more severe cases, steroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be recommended to reduce pain and promote healing. If these treatments do not work, surgery might be considered to address the underlying issue and restore function.

Physiotherapy for elbow pain

Physiotherapy helps rebuild elbow strength, improve flexibility, and prevent reinjury. Stretching exercises and range-of-motion movements enhance mobility, while strengthening biceps and triceps with light weights or resistance bands supports recovery. With tailored guidance from a physiotherapist, your elbow can regain function and maintain long-term health.

Exercises for elbow pain 

Gentle exercises can help alleviate elbow pain, rebuild strength, and improve mobility aiding your recovery and helping to prevent future injuries. You should consult your doctor or physiotherapist before starting.

Here are examples of exercises often recommended for elbow pain caused by repetitive movement injuries like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow: 

• Wrist extension stretch - straighten your arm, palm facing down, and use your other hand to gently pull your fingers upward, stretching the inside of your forearm.  
• Wrist flexion stretch - with your arm straight, palm facing down, gently pull your fingers downward using your other hand to stretch the outside of your forearm.  
• Wrist extension strengthening - rest your forearm on a table, palm facing down, and lift your wrist upwards. Begin without weights, and gradually add light weights as you build strength.  
• Wrist flexion strengthening - similar to extension strengthening, but with your palm facing up as you lift your wrist. Add light weights over time to increase resistance.  
• Forearm supination and pronation - rest your forearm on a surface, and rotate your hand so your palm alternates between facing up and down. Start without resistance, then incorporate a light dumbbell or resistance band. 

Pain relief medications

For mild elbow pain, over-the-counter (OTC) medications can provide effective relief as your elbow heals. Common options include:

• Acetaminophen - often used to manage pain without reducing inflammation.  
• Aspirin - provides pain relief and reduces inflammation, making it useful for conditions like tendinitis.  
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - such as ibuprofen and naproxen can help alleviate both pain and swelling. 

Steroid injections

Steroid injections may be recommended if you have severe elbow pain or arthritis-related discomfort. These injections contain anti-inflammatory medication that helps reduce swelling and pain in the affected area. They can provide temporary relief, often lasting up to six weeks, depending on the type of injection.

For inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, specialists may inject the joint to manage symptoms and improve mobility. 

Steroid injections are generally avoided for conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow, as they may worsen these issues over time.  

Platelet-rich plasma injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are an emerging treatment for repetitive strain injuries like tennis and golfer’s elbow. Platelets, vital for blood clotting, also promote tissue repair and healing.

The procedure involves an orthopaedic specialist drawing a blood sample, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the enriched plasma into the affected area. Recent studies suggest PRP may reduce pain and improve mobility more effectively than steroid injections. However, PRP is not yet widely available in all hospitals across the UK.  

Ramsay Health Care is pleased to offer PRP injections to promote healing and tissue regeneration for its patients.

Surgery for elbow pain

While most cases of elbow pain can be managed with non-surgical treatments, a small number of patients may require surgery to alleviate symptoms and restore function. The type of elbow surgery depends on the underlying condition causing your elbow pain. You should discuss the benefits and risks of surgery with your doctor to determine the best approach for your condition.

• Day-case procedures - are used for most elbow surgeries. They allow you to return home the same day.  
• Bone or tissue stiffness - if your stiffness is caused by new bone growth or shortened soft tissues, surgery may remove this new bone or release tension in your tissues. Post-surgery physiotherapy is essential for recovery.  
• Keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) - removes pain-causing loose bone fragments in your elbow through arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions.  
• Open surgery - for more complex cases, such as severe injuries or arthritis. Open surgery removes or repairs damaged bone and tissues.  
• Elbow replacement - may be an option in cases of advanced arthritis causing significant pain and restricted movement.  

Elbow pain diagnosis

When visiting your doctor for elbow joint pain, you can expect the examination to begin with questions to pinpoint the cause of your symptoms. These may include: 

• Is the pain in one or both elbows?  
• Have you experienced any recent injuries to your elbow?  
• Where specifically do you feel pain - inner or outer elbow?  
• Did the pain develop gradually or suddenly?  
• Is the pain constant, or does it come and go?  
• Are there activities that make the pain better or worse?  

After gathering this information, your doctor may recommend tests such as:  

• X-rays - to detect fractures or bone abnormalities.  
• Ultrasound - a non-invasive scan using soundwaves to visualise soft tissue and joint structures.  
• MRI - for detailed imaging using magnets and radio waves to assess soft tissues, cartilage, or ligaments.  
• Nerve conduction study - to test how your nerves respond to mild electrical impulses, helping diagnose nerve-related issues.  

When to see a doctor about elbow pain 

Most cases of elbow pain will improve on their own with simple self-help treatments such as rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications. However, there are certain situations where you should see a doctor:

Emergency help needed  

• Severe pain with visible deformity or an unusual angle of the elbow.  
• Open wounds or visible bone.  
• Fever, redness, and heat around the elbow, which may indicate infection.  

See a doctor urgently 

• Sudden injury accompanied by a snap or cracking sound.  
• Severe pain, swelling, or bruising that limits movement.  
• Difficulty turning your arm from palm up to palm down or vice versa.  

Make a routine appointment  

• Persistent elbow pain after two weeks of rest and over-the-counter treatments.  
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arm or hand.  
• Pain that worsens without activity or doesn’t improve with self-care.  

Hospital visit suggested  

• Suspected fracture following injury, such as direct impact or a fall.  
• Severe pain combined with swelling and bruising, or symptoms that limit arm movement.