Elbow Pain Symptoms

Overview

The elbow is the joint in your arm where three large arm bones intersect. The elbow allows your arm to rotate, move forward, and bend backwards. Your elbow works with your major arm muscles and also has a network of tendons, which are soft tissues that connect muscles and bones.

Because of the location of the tendons, they can be overextended and injured. Tendinitis is a common condition and cause of elbow pain. Another tendon-related condition is medial epicondylitis (nicknamed "golfer's elbow"), which results in a sac filled with fluid. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a type of tendinitis that causes inflammation of the outer part of the elbow. Tendinitis occurs when you consistently hyperextend or if you suddenly twist your elbow. Activities like sports, gardening, cooking, and craft-making can cause tendinitis.

Tendinitis is common, but it is not the only cause for elbow pain. You might have a bruise or swelling from a sudden sprain or injury, or you might have accidentally broken one or several bones close by. Nerve damage can also cause sharp or dull elbow pain. Arthritis can cause cartilage to degenerate and the joint area to narrow. Your elbow might also have an infection in the bone or muscle.

The type of pain that you experience will help guide your diagnosis. If you have pain on the outside of your elbow and difficulty carrying objects, then you likely have tennis elbow. Cubital tunnel syndrome is a nerve problem within the elbow and can produce a sharp or dull pain. If you have a dislocated elbow, your bones will have come out of their position. You'll feel a sharp pain and hear a clicking sound at your elbow. You can experience dislocation in your other major joints including your shoulder, knee, ankle, and hip. Arthritis and sprains also cause elbow pain. Persistent hyperextension can cause chronic pain.

Elbow pain can be short term or long term. Chronic pain may indicate a medical condition, and short term injuries can cause long term pain. When you have elbow pain, you will need to ensure a correct diagnosis. In general, pain is minor and will subside on its own with icing treatment and over-the-counter pain medication. If pain is extreme, becomes worse, or does not decrease over a day or two, you will need to see a doctor. A general practitioner or orthopedic specialist can diagnose your condition through X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Doctors can also identify causes for pain by checking your pressure points.

Keep track of your pain. Identify where your pain is located and whether you experience any changes. For example, document whether your pain shifts from a dull to sharp sensation. Also notice whether your pain radiates or remains limited to one area.

Treatment

In general, elbow pain requires minimal treatment. Minor sprains and bruises will benefit from icing treatments and over-the-counter pain medication. If you have a tendon problem, you might need to wear a brace and undergo physical therapy. Severe and chronic conditions might require prescription medications and surgery. In general, doctors will make an effort to avoid surgery. You can even seek opinions from multiple doctors to determine the best course of action for your condition. No matter your condition, make sure that you consult a medical professional before beginning any course of treatment, even if you are using herbal remedies. You want to make sure that you are treating the right condition and that you aren't harming yourself in any other way.