Elbow Pain

Elbow pain is a common condition that can significantly affect daily life and cause limited mobility. It can be seen in all age groups and professions—from athletes and desk workers to manual laborers and the elderly.

Due to its complex structure and frequent use, the elbow joint is vulnerable to injuries, overuse, and conditions such as joint degeneration. In this article, we will explore the most common causes of elbow pain, frequent symptoms, and non-surgical treatment options, while offering practical tips for maintaining elbow health.

If you are experiencing elbow pain or have questions, feel free to contact us to speak with a specialist.

What Is Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain is a symptom of various conditions affecting the elbow joint. It often results from sports injuries, heavy lifting, or age-related wear and tear. The intensity and duration of the pain may vary depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, pain may be mild, while in others, it may be severe enough to limit movement.

When left untreated, elbow pain can negatively impact quality of life. Therefore, the cause of the pain should be evaluated by a specialist. With an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, full restoration of elbow function is possible.

According to a 2022 study published in the Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, the most common causes of elbow pain include:

• Lateral epicondylitis (64%)

• Nerve compressions (20%)

• Degenerative joint diseases (10%)

The study also shows that early diagnosis and proper treatment result in functional improvement in over 85% of patients within 6 to 12 weeks, emphasizing the importance of early intervention.

What Causes Elbow Pain? (Right or Left Elbow)

Both right and left elbow pain can arise from multiple causes. These typically include injuries, overuse, or age-related changes in joints and soft tissues. Common causes include:

Tendon and Muscle Injuries

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)

  
  

  These are some of the most frequent causes of elbow pain.

Joint Degeneration (Osteoarthritis)

Wearing down of the joint surfaces and cartilage deterioration over time can lead to pain and limited movement.

Nerve Compression

• Ulnar nerve compression can cause numbness and tingling in the elbow.

• Radial nerve compression (PIN branch) may mimic tennis elbow.

• Median nerve entrapment near the front of the elbow can produce symptoms similar to carpal tunnel syndrome.

Traumatic Injuries

Falls, impacts, or direct trauma can result in sprains, dislocations, or fractures of the elbow joint.

Olecranon Bursitis

Inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa at the back of the elbow, often due to repetitive pressure or trauma, causes pain and swelling.

Symptoms of Elbow Pain & Pain Location-Based Causes

Pain location often gives important clues about the underlying problem:

Outer Elbow Pain (Lateral Epicondylitis – Tennis Elbow)

• Cause: Overuse of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow

• Symptoms: Tenderness on the outer elbow, pain when gripping or lifting, increased pain with wrist extension

Inner Elbow Pain (Medial Epicondylitis – Golfer’s Elbow)

• Cause: Overuse of inner tendons due to activities like golf, baseball, or repetitive gripping

• Symptoms: Tenderness on the inner elbow, pain when closing the fingers or lifting weight

Back of the Elbow Pain (Olecranon Bursitis)

• Cause: Inflammation of the bursa

• Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, and sometimes redness on the back of the elbow

Numbness & Pain on Inner Elbow (Ulnar Nerve Compression)

• Cause: Entrapment of the ulnar nerve (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

• Symptoms: Numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, pain around the elbow, and weakness

Deep Joint Pain (Arthritis or Cartilage Wear)

• Cause: Joint degeneration or inflammation

• Symptoms: Stiffness, dull and deep pain, reduced range of motion

Joint Mice in the Elbow (Loose Bodies)

Loose cartilage or bone fragments in the elbow joint may cause pain and mechanical symptoms like joint locking.

Symptoms:

• Sudden joint locking

• Pain worsened by movement

• Swelling and stiffness

• Decreased range of motion

Who is at risk?Common in athletes and those with previous elbow trauma.

Treatment:Small fragments may be monitored conservatively, but arthroscopic surgery is recommended if pain or locking persists.

Sudden & Sharp Elbow Pain (Dislocation or Fracture)

Cause: Trauma or fallsSymptoms: Severe pain, movement limitation, deformity, and sometimes visible bone protrusion

How to Better Understand Elbow Pain:

• Identify the exact location of the pain (inside, outside, back)

• Note which movements worsen the pain (bending, lifting, rotating)

• Observe whether the pain started suddenly or developed over time

Diagnosis of Elbow Pain

Correct diagnosis is key for successful treatment. The diagnostic process typically includes:

1. Medical History & Physical Exam:

• Onset, duration, and intensity of the pain

• Movements that trigger or worsen pain

• Physical examination for tenderness, swelling, motion limitation, and signs of nerve involvement

2. Imaging Techniques:

• X-rays: Used to detect fractures, dislocations, or joint degeneration

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Ideal for evaluating soft tissue, tendon, and ligament injuries

• Ultrasound: Useful for real-time assessment of tendons and nerves

• CT (Computed Tomography): Preferred for analyzing complex bone injuries

How Is Elbow Pain Treated?

Treatment for elbow pain varies depending on the underlying cause. In most cases, non-surgical methods are effective.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Elbow Pain

Rest and Activity Modification:

• Rest is often the first step in overuse-related pain.

• Avoid movements that cause pain and limit activities that strain the elbow.

Cold and Heat Therapy:

• Cold application during the first 48 hours can reduce pain and swelling.

• Heat therapy used afterward promotes blood circulation and healing.

Physical Therapy:

• Targeted exercises help strengthen muscles and tendons.

• Programs aim to improve joint range of motion.

Bracing and Taping:

• Elbow braces or kinesiology taping can relieve stress on the joint.

Injection Therapies:

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Stimulates the natural healing process.

• Cortisone Injections: Reduces inflammation and pain quickly, especially in inflammatory conditions.

• Exosome Therapy: A regenerative, innovative option that promotes tissue repair.

Explore our Regenerative Medicine page for more information on PRP and other advanced treatments.

Medication:

• Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs may help relieve symptoms temporarily.

If non-surgical options are unsuccessful or the injury is severe, surgical treatment may be necessary.For example, joint locking or severe pain caused by loose bodies may require arthroscopic surgery with excellent results.

When Is Elbow Surgery Necessary?

Although most elbow problems can be managed conservatively, some cases require surgical intervention. These include:

1. Loose Bodies (Joint Mice)

Cause: Cartilage or bone fragments moving freely within the joint.Surgical Indication: If they cause mechanical locking, persistent pain, or restricted movement.Treatment: Arthroscopic removal of loose fragments and joint surface smoothing.

2. Tendon Ruptures

Cause: Complete tears of major tendons like the biceps or triceps.Surgical Indication: Reattachment is required to restore function.Treatment: Open surgery to reattach the torn tendon to bone.

3. Nerve Compression Syndromes

Cause: Compression of the ulnar nerve (cubital tunnel syndrome), radial nerve, or median nerve.Surgical Indication: Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, or loss of fine motor control.Treatment: Nerve decompression surgery, sometimes with anterior transposition.

4. Advanced Elbow Osteoarthritis

Cause: Total degeneration of cartilage causing severe pain and limited motion.Surgical Indication: Daily activities are impaired, and pain is unmanageable.Treatment: Elbow joint replacement (prosthesis surgery).

5. Elbow Fractures and Dislocations

Cause: High-impact trauma.Surgical Indication: Displaced fractures, comminuted fractures, or instability.Treatment: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with screws, plates, or pins.

6. Chronic and Treatment-Resistant Bursitis

Cause: Recurring inflammation of the bursa at the elbow tip.Surgical Indication: Recurrent infections or large bursae that interfere with daily life.Treatment: Surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy).

7. Mechanical Joint Issues

Cause: Bone spurs, loose bodies, or abnormal joint anatomy.Surgical Indication: Persistent pain, locking, and reduced range of motion.Treatment: Arthroscopic correction of mechanical problems.

Postoperative Recovery After Elbow Surgery

Following elbow surgery:

• Pain management involves appropriate medications or local anesthetics.

• Early controlled movement is encouraged to prevent joint stiffness.

• Patients are informed about precautions and the rehabilitation timeline.

Physical Therapy:A rehab program is initiated to regain motion and muscle strength.

Rest and Protection:Avoid overloading the joint during recovery.

Personalized Rehab Plan:Tailored exercises are created to fully restore elbow function.

Which Specialist Should You See for Elbow Pain?

People experiencing elbow pain should consult an orthopedic surgeon or a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist.Orthopedic doctors specialize in bones and joints, while PM&R doctors guide recovery and manage musculoskeletal conditions.

Elbow Pain Exercises – Movement Recommendations

1. Wrist Extensor Stretch

• Keep your arm straight, palm facing down.

• Use the other hand to press the fingers downward.

• Hold for 15 seconds.

• Do 3 sets of 3 repetitions daily.

  
  

  Benefit: Relieves tension around the outer elbow. Especially helpful for tennis elbow.

2. Wrist Flexor Stretch

• Keep your arm straight, palm facing up.

• Gently pull your fingers backward.

• Hold for 15 seconds, repeat 3 times.

  
  

  Benefit: Helps alleviate golfer’s elbow symptoms on the inner side of the elbow.

3. Gentle Grip Strengthening with a Ball

• Squeeze a small sponge or stress ball.

• Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly release.

• Repeat 10 times per hand.

  
  

  Benefit: Strengthens forearm muscles and helps restore function after injury.

Conclusion

Elbow pain is a common issue that can seriously impact quality of life and daily activities.While most cases can be successfully treated with non-surgical approaches, some situations may require surgery. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are critical to protecting elbow health and preventing long-term complications.

If your elbow pain persists, affects your daily life, or causes movement restrictions, I, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Utku Erdem Özer, will be glad to support you with a personalized treatment plan at my clinic in Fulya, Istanbul.

Wishing you strength and pain-free days ahead!

For more information about elbow pain and treatment options—or to consult an expert—contact Dr. Utku Erdem Özer today and take the first step toward a better quality of life.