Whether it’s a dull ache during your morning routine or a sharp twinge while lifting at the gym, elbow pain has a way of disrupting your momentum and limiting what you can do.
Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. In fact, pushing through the discomfort can often make it worse. That’s why early support and protection are key.
If you're dealing with soreness, inflammation, or instability, Elbow Wraps can offer the compression and stability you need to reduce strain and keep your training on track.
This guide breaks down the 10 most common causes of elbow pain, so you can identify what’s really going on, take action, and get back to doing what you love without hesitation.
10 Common Causes of Elbow Pain You Shouldn't Ignore
Elbow pain isn't always as straightforward as it seems—it can be caused by anything from repetitive stress to underlying joint issues. Understanding these common triggers is the first step toward lasting relief and smarter prevention.
1. Fractured Elbow
A fractured elbow can happen in an instant—usually from falling onto an outstretched hand or experiencing a direct blow during physical activity.
This type of injury involves one or more of the three bones in your arm: the humerus, radius, or ulna. Immediate medical attention is crucial to ensure proper healing and avoid long-term complications.
Depending on the severity and location of the fracture, treatment may range from icing and immobilization with a sling to surgical intervention using pins, screws, or plates to stabilize the joint during recovery.
Causes
Fractured elbows are most commonly caused by falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving direct impact to the joint. These events place sudden stress on the elbow, often exceeding its structural limits.
Symptoms
Signs of a fractured elbow may include:
- Intense pain that worsens with movement.
- Swelling and bruising around the elbow.
- Visible deformity or misalignment of the arm.
- Inability to rotate the forearm or straighten the elbow.
When to See a Doctor
If the pain prevents you—or your child—from using the arm normally, seek medical care right away. In children especially, delayed treatment can result in improper bone healing and long-term mobility issues.
2. Sprain
A sprain occurs when the ligaments—tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones in your joints—are stretched or torn. Elbow sprains are the most common type of sprain.
Unlike a strain, which involves muscle injury, a sprain specifically affects the ligaments that connect bones.
Initial treatment typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E). Mild sprains can often be treated at home, but severe sprains may require surgery to repair the torn ligaments.
Causes
Sprains can happen to anyone, at any time. It’s important to recognize the symptoms and potential causes so you can either prevent the injury or seek treatment quickly if it occurs.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a sprained elbow include:
- Sharp pain or tenderness.
- Swelling around the joint.
- Bruising.
- Difficulty moving the elbow.
- Feeling or hearing a "pop" at the time of injury.
When to See a Doctor
While mild sprains can often be treated at home, more severe injuries may require professional attention. If moving the elbow joint causes significant pain, you experience numbness near the injury, or you feel pain directly over the bones, it’s important to see a doctor.
3. Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation in the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. It typically affects bones, tendons, and muscles around the joint, leading to discomfort and stiffness.
Elbow bursitis is often caused by repetitive motion or constant pressure on the joint. Common treatments include rest, ice, and avoiding further strain on the affected area.
Causes
Continuous pressure on the bursae can lead to bursitis, often seen in athletes or individuals in certain work environments. Repetitive motions like throwing a baseball or kneeling for extended periods—such as when carpeting—can be culprits. Other causes include injuries, arthritis (like rheumatoid arthritis or gout), and even infections.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of elbow bursitis include:
- Aching or stiffness in the elbow.
- Increased pain when moving or pressing on the area.
- Swelling and redness around the joint.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience any of the above symptoms, it’s best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. In the meantime, applying ice and resting the affected area may provide relief. Always seek professional help to ensure you're getting the right treatment.
4. Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain may radiate down to your forearm and wrist. Unlike tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow, golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside when you straighten your arm.
Although commonly associated with golfers, this condition can affect anyone who repetitively uses their wrists, forearms, or fingers—such as tennis players or people who lift weights.
Rest, proper treatment, and tools like the flexbar can help relieve symptoms and restore mobility.
Causes
Throwing activities, such as baseball and golfing, place significant strain on the tendons, potentially leading to injuries in the elbow muscles. Weight lifting can also cause excessive stress on the joint if proper form isn't maintained.
Additionally, repetitive motions in the workplace (e.g., construction work) can gradually result in tendon pain in the elbows. Pay attention to your daily activity levels to help prevent overuse injuries.
Symptoms
Golfer's elbow is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Tenderness and pain.
- Stiffness.
- Weakness.
- Tingling or numbness.
When to See a Doctor
If elbow pain persists despite rest, ice, and over-the-counter treatments, consult a doctor. If you experience heat in the affected area, deformity, fever, or an inability to bend your elbow, seek immediate medical attention—there may be an underlying fracture that requires urgent care.
Research indicates that many patients with primary elbow osteoarthritis, often related to heavy lifting, report significant pain relief with joint-preserving procedures, including arthroscopic osteocapsular arthroplasty, even in the presence of cartilage wear [1].
Related Article: How to Cure Tennis Elbow
5. Trapped Nerves
If you experience pain in your elbow when straightening your arm after sleeping, a pinched nerve might be the cause. Medically known as nerve compression or entrapment, this condition occurs when external pressure is applied to a nerve within a limited space, causing inflammation and discomfort.
While commonly occurring around the elbow and wrist, nerves can become compressed almost anywhere in the body. If you can't straighten your elbow without pain, it's important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Causes
Throughout daily activities, the nerves in your arm can become compressed. This is most likely around areas like the wrist or elbow, due to their proximity to bone and other tissues.
Repetitive motions or sustained positions are common causes of trapped nerves, though other factors could also lead to pain in the affected area.
Symptoms
Symptoms of a pinched nerve in the arm include:
- A "pins and needles" sensation.
- Tingling.
- Burning sensation.
- Loss of sensation.
- Pain with numbness.
- Muscle weakness.
- Loss of mobility.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience restricted elbow movements or persistent tingling, numbness, or pain that doesn't improve with rest and ice, it's important to consult a doctor for further evaluation.
6. Stress Fractures
Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, often occurring in weight-bearing bones like those in the arm. These fractures are common among athletes and individuals who carry heavy loads over long distances, but anyone can experience them.
If you’ve started a new exercise routine and have pushed your limits too quickly, you may be at risk for stress fractures.
Causes
Stress fractures happen when bones are subjected to unaccustomed forces without adequate recovery time. This often occurs when repetitive movements, like jumping or running long distances, place strain on the bones.
Stress fractures can also occur when conditions like osteoporosis weaken the bones, making them more susceptible to damage.
Symptoms
Initially, the pain from a stress fracture may be mild, but it tends to worsen over time. The tenderness usually starts in one specific area and may improve with rest. Swelling around the affected site is common.
When to See a Doctor
If the pain persists or worsens despite rest, it’s important to seek medical attention to properly diagnose and treat the stress fracture.
7. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions globally. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your arm bones deteriorates, leading to pain when bending or straightening your elbow.
Though osteoarthritis can affect any joint, it most commonly impacts the hands, knees, hips, and spine.
Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving targeted treatments can help slow the progression of the disease while improving pain and joint function.
Causes
Osteoarthritis is more than just wear and tear—it’s a complex breakdown of the cartilage, bones, connective tissues, and joint linings. Over time, this condition can cause the cartilage to wear away completely, leading to bone-on-bone contact.
When left untreated, osteoarthritis results in significant joint damage, which can cause persistent pain and loss of mobility.
Symptoms
Common signs of osteoarthritis include:
- Pain.
- Stiffness.
- Tenderness.
- Loss of joint flexibility.
- A grating sensation during movement.
- Bone spurs around the affected joint.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience repetitive motion or positions that put strain on your elbow, it may be time to consult a doctor. Even minor strain can lead to bone wear and exacerbate existing osteoarthritis.
8. Osteochondritis Dissecans
Osteochondritis Dissecans is a joint condition where the bone beneath the elbow joint cartilage dies due to a lack of blood flow. The bone and cartilage can loosen, causing pain and limiting joint movement.
This condition is classified based on the size of the injury and whether the bone fragment is fully or partially detached.
Causes
The exact cause of osteochondritis dissecans remains unclear, though it is often triggered by minor, repetitive trauma to the joint. Genetics may play a role in making some individuals more susceptible to this condition.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans include:
- Pain in the affected joint.
- Tenderness and swelling.
- Swollen and tender joints.
- Joint popping or locking.
- Weakness in the joint.
- Reduced range of motion.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience persistent pain, soreness, or swelling in your elbow or joint, it’s time to consult a doctor. Seek immediate medical attention if you cannot move the joint through its full range of motion or if you experience locking or popping sensations.
9. Tendinitis
Tendinitis is the inflammation of the fibrous cords, known as tendons, that connect muscles to bones. It commonly causes pain and tenderness around the joint, especially near the elbow.
Most cases of tendinitis can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and pain relief medication. If the inflammation persists, it can result in tendon tears, requiring surgery. Anti-inflammatory treatments like Ashwagandha root may help relieve symptoms.
Causes
While injuries can certainly cause tendinitis, it is most often triggered by repetitive movements. For example, engaging in a job or hobby that involves the same motion over and over can strain the tendons, leading to inflammation.
Proper body positioning is crucial, especially for repetitive tasks. Even with the right technique, improper posture or movement patterns can overload the tendons and cause tendinitis.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of tendinitis include:
- Pain, often described as a dull ache, especially when moving the injured limb or joint.
- Tenderness.
- Minor swelling.
When to See a Doctor
If you're experiencing symptoms of tendinitis, give it a few days of rest and self-care. However, if daily activities become increasingly difficult or painful, it's best to consult with a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.
10. Dislocated Elbow
A dislocated elbow occurs when any of the three bones in the elbow joint become separated or displaced from their normal positions.
This condition can be extremely painful, often resulting in an unstable elbow that may even become immobile. It can also damage the surrounding ligaments, muscles, nerves, and tendons—structures that connect the bones at the joint.
If you suspect you have a dislocated elbow, seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment is crucial to prevent irreversible damage. Using a elbow wraps can aid in the recovery process.
Causes
Dislocated elbows are commonly caused by falls where people try to stop themselves by using their outstretched hands. They can also occur during car accidents when someone braces themselves against impact.
Sports injuries are another frequent cause, while overuse or conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome—where joints are unusually loose and flexible—can increase the risk of dislocations.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a dislocated elbow include:
- Bruising.
- An arm that appears deformed, with the bone looking out of place.
- Joint dysfunction.
- Inability to move the elbow.
- Pain.
- Swelling.
When to See a Doctor
If you’ve dislocated your elbow, it’s essential to seek immediate medical care. Timely treatment is key for a full recovery, so make sure to consult a doctor right away.
Related Article: Elbow Pain? Ultimate Tips for Training Around Cranky Elbows
Takeaway
Elbow pain can have many causes, but identifying the issue early is key to finding relief. Whether it's tendinitis, osteoarthritis, or a dislocated elbow, prompt attention can prevent long-term damage.
With the right treatment plan, you can get back to your routine without pain. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if discomfort persists—early intervention is always the best approach.
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Article Sources
- Martinez-Catalan, N., and J. Sanchez-Sotelo. “Primary Elbow Osteoarthritis: Evaluation and Management.” Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma, vol. 19, May 2021, pp. 67–74. PubMed Central, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.002.
