Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is discomfort or soreness in or around the elbow joint. It is commonly caused by tendinitis, overuse injuries, arthritis, or trauma, and may affect movement of the arm and hand.
🚨 Seek Urgent Care
Get immediate medical help if you have:
- Severe pain after injury or fall.
- Visible deformity of the elbow.
- Inability to move the arm.
- Rapid swelling or bruising.
- Signs of infection such as fever or redness.
📞 Consult a Doctor
Seek medical advice if:
- Pain persists for more than 1–2 weeks.
- Repetitive strain causes ongoing discomfort.
- Pain worsens with movement or activity.
- You experience weakness in grip or arm function.
Common Symptoms & Causes
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Pain on outer elbow | Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) |
| Pain on inner elbow | Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) |
| Swelling and stiffness | Arthritis |
| Sudden sharp pain after injury | Ligament sprain or fracture |
| Pain with arm movement | Tendon inflammation or overuse injury |
Causes by Category
Tennis elbow: Repetitive wrist and arm use.
Golfer’s elbow: Strain on inner elbow tendons.
Repetitive strain injury: Overuse from work or sports.
Fracture: Broken bone after trauma or fall.
Sprain: Ligament injury around the elbow.
Dislocation: Joint displacement causing severe pain.
Arthritis: Joint inflammation and stiffness.
Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the elbow.
Infection: Septic arthritis causing pain and swelling.
Diagnostic Procedures
Physical Examination
Assesses pain location, movement, and swelling.
X-ray
Detects fractures or bone abnormalities.
MRI Scan
Evaluates soft tissue, tendons, and ligaments.
Ultrasound
Checks inflammation and tendon damage.
