Elbow pain: Reducing your discomfort

In many cases, elbow pain improves with simple self-care. But if your pain is severe, doesn’t get better or is making it hard to do daily activities, you should seek help.

Our team is here for you. They can determine the cause of your pain and help you find relief.

Symptoms 

Common symptoms associated with elbow pain include: 

• Bruising 

• Burning in the outer part of your elbow

• Discomfort when moving your arm 

• Loss of range of motion

• Numbness, tingling or pain in your hand 

• Redness and/or warmth

• Stiffness 

• Swelling 

• Weakened grip strength 

• Weakness when bending your elbow or twisting your forearm 

Testing and diagnosis

To find the sources of your pain, doctors may do one or more tests. These include:

• A physical exam 

• Fluid testing, which involves examining fluid from the bursa, the sac that surrounds the bony point of your elbow

• Imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT, MRI or ultrasound

• Electromyography, a test that evaluates muscle and nerve health

Treatment will depend on the cause of your pain. It can include:

• Home treatments, including rest, ice and heat

• Immobilization of your elbow with braces, splints or slings

• Medication, such as anti-inflammatories, antibiotics or corticosteroids

• Physical or occupational therapy to improve flexibility, strength and range of motion

• Surgery to repair ligaments or tendons, restore bone alignment, release an entrapped nerve or replace your elbow joint

Our team works with you to find the therapies that will be of most help.

It includes radiologists, physical therapists, sports medicine doctors and orthopedic hand and upper extremity surgeons. Athletic trainers, health psychologists, occupational therapists and others may have roles as well. They work together to lessen your discomfort and help you return to the activities that are important to you.