Overview
Elbow pain can come from irritated tendons and other soft tissues, joint problems, or direct trauma. Pain may be felt with bending, rotating, or leaning on the elbow, and repeated activities can make it worse. Some problems are temporary, while others cause ongoing stiffness or instability. A clinical assessment considers where pain occurs, what triggers it, and how the elbow moves.
Common symptoms
- Stiffness
- Decreased range of motion
- Pain when bending or rotating the arm
- Swelling
- Tenderness along the joint line
- Numbness or tingling in the forearm or hand
Conditions we evaluate
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Bursitis
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Arthritis
- Pronator teres syndrome
- Biceps tendinitis
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with questions about where your elbow hurts, when symptoms began, and activities that worsen them, such as repeated bending or leaning on the joint. The clinician examines the elbow and the structures around it for tenderness and discomfort. Orthopedic tests may assess joint stability and supporting ligaments. When pain, swelling, or loss of function is severe, X-rays or MRI may help evaluate fractures, dislocations, or muscle tears.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and effect on movement. Options may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, prescription pain medicines, hot or cold therapy, electrical nerve stimulation, or a joint injection. Physical therapy can address mobility, strength, and function, while a brace may support a stiff or unstable elbow. Regenerative medicine, including stem cell-based approaches, may be discussed for selected patients, but eligibility, evidence, alternatives, and risks should be reviewed with a clinician; it is not a guaranteed cure. Surgery may be considered when a structural problem requires it, with the procedure and recovery explained beforehand.