what causes elbow pain

Elbow pain is most often caused by overuse or injury , especially from repetitive gripping, lifting, or arm motions. It can also come from tendons, bursae, ligaments, bones, joints, or even the neck or shoulder.

Common causes

• Tennis elbow, pain on the outside of the elbow from repeated wrist or forearm use.

• Golfer’s elbow, pain on the inside of the elbow from repetitive strain.

• Tendinitis, inflammation or irritation of tendons around the joint.

• Bursitis, inflammation of the fluid-filled sac at the elbow.

• Sprains, strains, fractures, or dislocation after a fall or impact.

• Arthritis, including osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

• Nerve compression or pain referred from the neck, upper spine, or shoulder.

When it may be more serious

Seek medical help sooner if the elbow is badly swollen, deformed, red and hot, very painful after injury, or if you have fever, numbness, weakness, or trouble moving the arm. Joint infection and fractures are among the more urgent possibilities.

Practical next step

If the pain started after repetitive activity, rest and reducing strain often help; if it followed a fall or is not improving, a clinician should check it. A simple example: pain on the outside of the elbow after lots of tennis, typing, or tool use often points toward tennis elbow.