Elbow pain

Elbow pain can have various causes, ranging from injuries to orthopedic conditions like arthritis. The orthopedic specialists at Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic offer a comprehensive range of treatments for all types of elbow pain. Our team provides the highest level of care for bone, joint, muscle and tendon conditions so you can get back to your life.

What is elbow pain?

Your elbow is the joint that connects your upper arm bone (humerus) and forearm bones (radius and ulna). Injuries, overuse and certain medical conditions can affect your elbow joint. They can cause pain that may range from mild and occasional to severe and constant.

Depending on the cause of your elbow pain, you may need rest, home care, special exercises or surgery to get relief. Your doctor will explain which treatment options may be best for you.

Causes of elbow pain

Elbow pain has many possible causes, including:

• Arthritis, which can cause joint pain and stiffness throughout your body
• Bone fracture, or break in one of your arm bones
• Bursitis, inflammation of your bursa (fluid-filled sac in the back of your elbow)
• Golfer's elbow, inflammation of the tendons in your elbow from repeated movements like swinging or throwing
• Nursemaid's elbow, when the radius bone dislocates (slips out of place)
• Sprain or strain, injuries that stretch the ligaments in your elbow
• Tennis elbow, tearing of the tendons in your elbow due to repeated extending or twisting of your wrist
• Ulnar nerve entrapment, when a bone, muscle or tendon presses on a nerve in your arm

Elbow pain symptoms

Elbow pain can feel different for different people depending on its underlying cause. It may feel like:

• Clicking or popping sensation in your elbow
• Numbness or tingling down your arm
• Pain on the inside or outside of your elbow
• Pain when you straighten or bend your arm
• Stiffness or trouble bending your elbow
• Weak hand grip

Elbow pain diagnosis

Your doctor may diagnose the cause of your elbow pain in a few ways:

• Discussion of your symptoms: They will ask when the pain started, what triggers the pain and what it feels like (such as achy, dull, sharp or tingly).
• Imaging tests: X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI helps your doctor view the structures inside your elbow.
• Physical exam: Your doctor will gently bend or press on your elbow.

Elbow pain risk factors

You may be more likely to experience elbow pain if you:

• Have arthritis
• Play sports that require heavy use of your arms, such as golf or tennis
• Perform repetitive arm movements or lifting at work
• Smoke

Elbow pain prevention

You cannot always prevent elbow pain. But you can reduce your risk of pain if you:

• Avoid forceful, repetitive movements
• Ensure your workstation has proper ergonomics
• Rest from the activity that triggered the pain
• Stretch your arms and warm up before workouts
• Use proper technique in sports like tennis and golf