Why Does My Elbow Hurt? 7 Common Causes You Should Know

Why Does My Elbow Hurt? 7 Common Causes You Should Know

Elbow pain can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Opening a jar, carrying shopping, working at a desk or lifting something can become uncomfortable when your elbow is painful or stiff.

While elbow pain is often associated with overuse, there are several possible causes. Understanding what may be behind your symptoms can help you know when to modify your activities and when it may be worth getting professional advice.

1. Repetitive movements and overuse

Repeated movements can gradually place more stress on the muscles and tendons around the elbow. This can happen through work, sport, gardening, DIY or activities that involve frequent gripping and lifting.

Unlike a sudden injury, overuse-related elbow pain often develops gradually. You may notice discomfort during particular movements or soreness after activity.

2. Tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is a common cause of pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you do not need to play tennis to develop it.

Repeated gripping, lifting and wrist movements can put increased strain on the tendons around the elbow. Pain may become more noticeable when gripping objects, lifting or using the wrist.

3. Golfer's elbow

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons around the inside of the elbow. Again, playing golf is not a requirement.

Activities involving repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movements can contribute to symptoms. You may notice pain when carrying objects or making certain movements with your hand and wrist.

4. A sudden injury

Elbow pain can also follow a specific incident, such as a fall, sporting injury, awkward movement or lifting something heavy.

Depending on the injury, there may be swelling, bruising, reduced movement or difficulty using the arm normally. Significant pain or difficulty moving the elbow after an injury should be assessed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

5. Changes in your everyday activities

Sometimes, there is no obvious injury. A sudden increase in exercise, changes at work or spending more time on a repetitive activity can place additional demands on the elbow.

For example, starting a new gym routine or doing several hours of DIY when your body is not accustomed to it can increase the load on the muscles and tendons around the joint.

6. Nerve irritation

Not all elbow symptoms are caused by muscles or tendons. Nerves also pass around the elbow, and irritation can cause different types of symptoms.

You may experience tingling, numbness, burning or discomfort that travels towards the forearm or hand. Persistent or worsening nerve-related symptoms should be assessed rather than ignored.

7. Previous injuries/ Fractures

An old elbow, wrist or shoulder injury or fracture can sometimes affect how you move and use your arm. Changes in strength, flexibility, or movement may alter how forces are distributed through the elbow.

This may contribute to recurrent discomfort, particularly during periods of increased activity or when you modify your elbow movements to avoid stressing your shoulder.

When should you seek help with elbow pain?

Mild elbow pain may improve with appropriate changes to activity, but persistent symptoms are worth investigating.

An assessment can help identify the likely source of your symptoms and determine the most appropriate approach.

How can physiotherapy help with elbow pain?

Physiotherapy for elbow pain starts with understanding what is causing or contributing to the problem. Your physiotherapist may assess your elbow movement, strength, grip and the activities that are aggravating your symptoms.

Depending on the findings, elbow pain physiotherapy treatment may include specific exercises, advice on managing activity and gradually rebuilding strength and movement.

The aim is not simply to reduce pain but to help you return to your normal activities with greater confidence and reduce the risk of the problem continuing or returning.

Don't ignore persistent elbow pain

Elbow pain can have many different causes, and the right elbow pain injury treatment depends on the individual and the underlying problem. If your symptoms are persistent, affecting your daily activities or repeatedly returning, an appropriate assessment can help you understand what may be contributing to them.

If you are looking for elbow pain physiotherapy, The Physiotherapy Centre can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate guidance based on your individual needs.