What To Know and Do About Elbow Joint Pain...

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Medically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MDMedically reviewed by Oluseun Olufade, MDElbow joint pain can vary from mild to severe, affecting daily activities like dressing or holding a cup. The pain may be a dull ache or sharp shooting pain, making it difficult to move your arm.Soft tissue and overuse injuries are the most common causes of elbow pain. Some pain goes away with home care. However, it's important to address persistent or severe pain with a healthcare provider to prevent possible complications.Potential Causes of Elbow Joint PainElbow joint pain can have various causes, including injury to muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, or bursae. It can also be a symptom of conditions like arthritis or nerve compression.
Key TermsLigament: Connective tissue that connects bones at joints like elbows and wristsTendon: A thick, flexible band of tissue that connects muscles to bonesBursa: A small, fluid-filled sac that provides cushioning for bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons near a joint
Here are some potential causes of elbow pain, from most to least common.Soft Tissue InjurySoft-tissue injuries are very common causes of elbow pain. These injuries include damage to muscles, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels—for example, sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises). They can occur from a fall, a direct blow to the elbow, or forcefully twisting your arm. A sprain is when you stretch or tear ligaments, which connect bones at joints. The pain can be sharp and intense, especially right after the injury, and you may hear a popping sound when a sprain occurs. A strain occurs when you overuse or pull your muscles, causing tiny tears. Lifting heavy weights, repetitive motions, or using tools with a forceful grip can cause muscle strain. Symptoms include bruising, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness to touch.Risk factors for sprains and strains include:Improper warm-ups before exercisingWeight or resistance trainingHigh-impact sports (e.g., skateboarding, skiing)Muscle weaknessTendinitisOveruse injuries are other very common causes of elbow pain. They occur from repetitive wrist or elbow use or tightly gripping objects (like a screwdriver) for extended periods.Tendinitis is an overuse injury that creates tiny tears in the tendons, which connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendinitis include:A dull ache that may go down the forearmDifficulty graspingMild swelling Pain that gets worse while holding a cup or with movement Stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after restingTenderness to touchThe two primary types of tendinitis that affect the elbow are: Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow): Affects the outer elbow after using the forearm muscles too much. Pain often worsens with gripping or lifting objects Medial epicondylitis (golfer's or pitcher's elbow): Affects the inner elbow. Pain often worsens with gripping or squeezing. Risk factors for elbow tendinitis include:Jobs in carpentry, plumbing, mechanics, or assembly linesNot warming up before activities Tennis, golf, baseball, and rock climbing BursitisBursitis is an overuse injury similar to a bruise inside your elbow. It occurs with swelling of the bursa—fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles.Bursitis is a common cause of elbow pain. Pain may worsen when you move or press on the fluid or with activity, often improving with rest. It might also be worse when you bend your elbow in a certain way but not when someone else moves it for you. Risk factors include: ArthritisAutoimmune disorders (when the immune system attacks healthy cells, tissues, or organs by mistake)Infection or injury Older ageProlonged pressure on bony areas (like resting elbows on desks)Repetitive movements and overuse Fractures or DislocationA fracture is a break in a bone due to a strong force, like a fall or a direct hit. Dislocations occur when the joint gets knocked out of place, usually from sudden impact or twisting motion.Fractures and dislocations are less common causes of elbow pain. Symptoms include:Bruising Elbow deformity (looks crooked or out of place)Inability to bend, straighten, or grip Sudden, sharp, or throbbing pain that gets worse with movementSwellingRisk factors include:Age (children and older adults are at higher risk)High-impact sportsOsteoporosis (weakening of bones)ArthritisArthritis is joint inflammation that causes pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, or warmth. It can sometimes cause elbow pain.Osteoarthritis is the "wear and tear" type of arthritis that occurs over time. As the cartilage that cushions your joints gets worn down, bone rubs against bone. This can lead to a dull ache, especially in the morning or after activity. You might also hear a grinding or clicking sound when you move your elbow.Risk factors include:Older age (especially over 50)Previous injuriesRepetitive elbow use or stress Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of joints. It causes symptoms like pain, stiffness, swelling, and sometimes fever and fatigue. Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints, and the stiffness is usually worse in the mornings.Other types of arthritis include:Juvenile arthritis: Inflammatory conditions that affect bones, muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments in children under the age of 16)Gout: Develops when uric crystals build up in your jointsSeptic arthritis: Rare, but occurs due to a severe bacterial infectionNerve CompressionNerve compression is another less common cause of elbow pain. Nerves carry messages from your brain to your arm. Nerve compression happens when something puts pressure on a nerve, blocking the messages to your brain. It's similar to pinching a water hose and the water flow slowing down or stopping. Nerve compression can occur in conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome, where the ulnar nerve (one of three main arm nerves, running from your neck to your hand) gets pinched inside the elbow joint. This area is often known as the “funny bone.” Other causes include:Bone growths from arthritis (narrows nerve spaces)Ganglion cysts (fluid-filled sacs near joints)InjuryNerve irritation in the neck or shoulder or other parts of the armNeuropathy (damaged nerves)Repetitive motions Symptoms of nerve compression include:Burning or shooting painMuscle shrinkage in severe casesNumbness in the hand or fingersPain and tenderness at the inner elbowTingling (pins and needles, similar to when your arm falls asleep)Weakness in the hand or trouble gripping thingsSymptoms may worsen at night or when moving the elbow in specific ways, like bending it. Older people may notice ongoing problems that get worse, while younger people might have symptoms that start suddenly. Risk factors include repetitive elbow movement and diabetes—a condition that causes high blood sugar and increases the risk of nerve damage.Other Causes Other possible causes of elbow joint pain include:An abnormal fold in elbow tissueA loose piece of bone or cartilageBony spurs (abnormal bone growths, often near joints)Frozen shoulder or stiff joints Elbow joint instabilityJoint inflammation Post-burn contracture (tightening and shortening of scar tissue after a severe burn)ShinglesTricep tendinitisWhen To See a Healthcare ProviderHere are some signs that your elbow pain warrants a visit with a healthcare provider:Gradual onset of pain (usually a sign of overuse)Mild swelling, redness, or bruisingPain that affects your daily activitiesPersistent pain that lasts for at least one week Worsening painThe following symptoms require urgent care:Difficulty bending or straightening the elbowFeverModerate swelling or bruisingSudden onset of moderate but not unbearable pain Seek emergency care for:Deformity or instability of the elbow (crooked or wobbly)Numbness, tingling, or severe weaknessSevere pain, especially after a fall or injurySignificant swelling, bruising, or rednessHow Is Elbow Pain Diagnosed?For elbow pain, you can see a primary care provider (PCP) or an orthopedic provider (a specialist in musculoskeletal conditions). The provider will ask about your symptoms, activity level, and medical history. They will examine your elbow for swelling, tenderness, range of motion, and nerve compression.Depending on the suspected cause, the provider may recommend the following diagnostic tests.Blood tests to check for signs of infection or autoimmune conditions Computed tomography (CT) scans for detailed images of bones and soft tissuesFluid aspiration (drawing out fluid from the swollen bursa)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess soft tissue damage like ligament tearsNerve conduction studies (non-invasive, uses electrodes to check for nerve damage)Ultrasound to visualize soft tissues such as tendons and ligaments X-rays to check for fractures or arthritisHow Is Elbow Joint Pain Treated?Depending on the cause and severity of elbow pain, management options range from self-care measures to medical interventions.Home RemediesHere are some practical tips to help reduce strain on your elbow and avoid activities that could make your pain worse:Avoid activities that worsen the pain or cause it to returnAvoid fully straightening or bending your elbowKeep your elbow slightly bent when lifting heavy itemsLimit activities that involve repeated gripping or graspingTake breaks from repetitive hand and wrist motionsUse a two-handed backhand in tennisUse both hands to hold heavy tools Use padding on elbows (to help reduce bursitis)Here are some at-home options to help reduce pain and swelling:Arnica pellets (homeopathic pain remedy) that dissolve under your tongueCompression bandage or braceElevation (keeping your elbow above your heart)Ice packs wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes several times a dayOver-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like Motrin or Advil (ibuprofen), or Tylenol (acetaminophen)Topical (on the skin) arnica cream or patchesTopical pain creams like Aspercreme (trolamine salicylate and lidocaine) Home RemediesMedical treatments may include:AntibioticsBotox injectionsLocal anesthetic (numbing injections)Platelet-rich plasma infusions (uses a person's own blood to help healing)Prescription anti-inflammatory medications or pain relieversShockwave therapy (sound waves that increase blood flow)Steroid injections to reduce swellingSurgery for severe cases Topical nitrates (help tendons heal by increasing blood flow)Physical therapy and custom braces or splints can be very helpful in stabilizing and strengthening the affected area.Your provider may also recommend alternative or complementary care like:AcupunctureChiropractic careHerbal remedies (like turmeric or ginger) to reduce swellingSupplements like glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint healthA Quick ReviewElbow joint pain has various causes, including overuse injuries or conditions like arthritis. Rest, ice, and OTC pain relievers often help with minor, temporary conditions.If pain persists, worsens, or disrupts daily life, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider so they can pinpoint the cause and customize treatment. For chronic pain, healthcare providers can create a plan combining self-care, medical treatments, and alternative therapies. Working closely with them can help you manage the pain, improve daily functioning, and prevent complications. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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