Elbow pain is one of those issues many people tend to brush off as “just soreness” or something that will go away on its own. After all, it’s not as noticeable as knee pain or as alarming as chest discomfort. But when elbow pain starts interfering with everyday tasks, like lifting groceries, typing at a desk, gripping a coffee mug, exercising, or even finding a comfortable sleeping position, it quickly becomes hard to ignore.

But what’s causing your elbow to hurt in the first place? Elbow pain can develop for many reasons, including repetitive movements, a sports injury, sudden trauma (such as a fall or car accident), or underlying medical conditions. Understanding the root cause of your elbow pain is the first step toward finding lasting relief and preventing further injury.

At One Oak Medical, our experienced medical professionals specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal pain, including elbow injuries. Through comprehensive evaluations and personalized care plans, we help patients understand why their elbows hurt and regain comfort, strength, and mobility while using their arms.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

The elbow isn’t just a simple hinge; it’s a complex joint where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna (the two bones in your forearm). These bones are held together by ligaments and moved by tendons and muscles.

Because so many structures converge in this small area, there are many moving parts that can potentially become inflamed or injured. Let’s take a closer look at the most common reasons for elbow pain now.

Overuse Injuries

One of the most frequent reasons people experience elbow pain is overuse. The elbow is a complex joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm and allows for bending, straightening, and rotation. Repeating the same movements day after day, especially without proper form or rest, can place excessive stress on the tendons, muscles, and ligaments surrounding the joint.

Overuse injuries are common among athletes, manual laborers, office workers, and anyone who performs repetitive arm motions. Even hobbies like gardening, painting, or playing musical instruments can contribute to elbow pain over time.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Despite its name, tennis elbow doesn’t just affect tennis players. This condition occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed or damaged due to repetitive gripping or wrist extension motions.

People who are at higher risk include:

• Office workers who type or use a mouse for long periods
• Tradespeople using tools like screwdrivers or hammers
• Athletes who play tennis, pickleball, or golf
• Individuals who lift weights improperly

Symptoms often include pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow, weakened grip strength, and discomfort when lifting or gripping objects.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow and develops from repetitive wrist flexion or gripping activities. Like tennis elbow, it can occur in non-athletes as well.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
• Stiffness in the elbow
• Weakness in the hands or wrists
• Tingling or numbness radiating into the fingers

Without proper treatment, golfer’s elbow can worsen over time and significantly limit daily activities.

Bursitis

The elbow contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that cushion the joint and reduce friction. Elbow bursitis occurs when one of these sacs becomes inflamed, often due to prolonged pressure, repetitive leaning on the elbow, or direct trauma.

Symptoms of elbow bursitis may include swelling at the back of the elbow, warmth, redness, and tenderness. In some cases, infection can develop, leading to increased pain and fever.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. In the elbow, tendonitis often develops from overuse or strain and may overlap with conditions like tennis or golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms typically include localized pain, stiffness, and discomfort that worsens with movement. Left untreated, tendonitis can lead to tendon degeneration or tearing.

Nerve Compression or Irritation

Nerve-related elbow pain can occur when nerves become compressed or irritated as they pass through the joint. One common example is cubital tunnel syndrome, which affects the ulnar nerve and often causes pain in the inner elbow along with numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers.

Nerve compression can result from repetitive bending, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or anatomical changes in the joint.

Elbow Sprains, Strains, and Fractures

Injuries from falls, sports accidents, and direct blows can cause sprains, strains, or fractures in the elbow. These injuries may lead to immediate pain, swelling, bruising, limited motion, or deformity.

Even if symptoms seem mild at first, untreated sprains and strains can worsen and lead to chronic pain or long-term joint instability.

Arthritis and Degenerative Conditions

Arthritis can affect the elbow joint, especially in older adults or individuals with a history of joint injury. Osteoarthritis, specifically, causes cartilage breakdown over time, while inflammatory forms of arthritis can lead to swelling, stiffness, and pain.

Arthritic elbow pain often develops gradually and may worsen with activity or weather changes.

When Elbow Pain Shouldn’t Be Ignored

While mild elbow soreness may improve with rest, certain signs indicate the need for medical evaluation. You should seek professional care if your elbow pain:

• Persists for more than a few weeks.
• Worsens with movement or activity.
• Limits your ability to perform daily tasks.
• Is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth.
• Causes numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand.
• Results from a fall or traumatic injury.

Early diagnosis can prevent minor issues from turning into chronic conditions, so make sure you schedule an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for Elbow Pain

When a patient seeks help for elbow pain, an orthopedic physician will often take a conservative approach first so that the patient can get back to their life as quickly as possible. However, for complex or severe cases, they may recommend advanced interventions.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

Many cases of elbow pain respond well to conservative treatments, especially when addressed early. These may include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate the elbow allows irritated tissues to heal. This may involve temporary changes at work, exercise routines, or recreational activities.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted physical therapy can strengthen surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and restore proper joint mechanics. Guided exercises also help reduce strain on the elbow during daily movements.
• Bracing or Support: Elbow braces or straps can help offload stress from injured tendons and provide stability during activity.
• Anti-Inflammatory Treatments: Non-invasive therapies may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation, helping patients manage symptoms while healing occurs.

Advanced Treatment Options

When conservative treatments don’t provide sufficient relief, advanced care may be considered based on the underlying diagnosis. This advanced treatment could include:

• Injection Therapies: In certain cases, targeted corticosteroid injections may help reduce inflammation, promote healing, or relieve nerve-related pain.
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This involves using the patient’s own blood platelets to accelerate the healing of damaged tendons and ligaments. It is a cutting-edge option for chronic tendonitis.
• Nerve Decompression: For cases like cubital tunnel syndrome, a minor procedure can release the pressure on the nerve to restore feeling and strength.
• Surgical Repair: In cases of complete ligament tears or severe joint degradation, our board-certified surgeons perform advanced procedures to reconstruct the joint and relieve elbow pain.

Find Relief From Your Elbow Pain at One Oak Medical

Ignoring elbow pain or relying solely on home remedies can delay healing and increase the risk of long-term complications. A trusted medical provider, on the other hand, can accurately diagnose the cause of pain, rule out serious conditions, and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan.

If you live in New Jersey or New York, you can visit One Oak Medical for comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations and personalized care. Our patient-focused approach emphasizes education, prevention, and evidence-based treatment options designed to restore comfort and mobility.

Whether your elbow pain is the result of overuse, injury, or an underlying condition, our elbow care specialists can provide timely medical care and boost your recovery. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get back to doing the things you enjoy without pain.