Elbow Pain When Bending and Straightening? 7 Possible Causes

The elbow is one of the most extensive and most complicated joints in the body, connecting the bones of the forearm to the upper arm bone through a network of ligaments and muscles. It is one of the most frequently exercised and stressed joints, making it highly prone to injury and conditions that can cause significant pain.

If you are experiencing elbow pain when bending and straightening your arm, you can try some home remedies that may reduce or alleviate the pain. We will take a look at the possible causes of your elbow pain and what you can do at home to make it better.

Possible Causes of Pain in the Elbow When You Straighten Your Arm

Here are a few possible reasons you may be feeling elbow pain when you bend or straighten your arm:

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition on the lateral (outside) part of the elbow where the wrist extensor muscles attach to the bone. Tennis elbow is a common condition often affecting middle-aged people of any activity level, including:

• Baseball and softball players
• Bowlers
  
• Fencers
  
• Golfers
  
• Tennis, squash, pickleball, and racquetball players
  
• Assembly-line workers and auto mechanics
  
• Butchers and chefs
  
• Carpenters, cleaners, painters, and plumbers
  
• Dentists
  
• Gardeners and landscapers
  
• Manicurists
  
• Musicians
  

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition of the medial (inside) tendon, or inner part of the elbow. People with golfer’s elbow have pain on the inside of the elbow when straightening their arm. The pain can extend down the arm, as well. They may also have elbow numbness, tingling, or stiffness. Golfers can get tennis elbow, just as tennis players may get golfer’s elbow.

Bursitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae—tiny sacs of fluid found in your elbow that prevent the tendons from rubbing against your bones and muscles. Sometimes, the bursa will fill with fluid. The swelling, pain, and tenderness can limit your elbow’s ability to bend or straighten.

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment

Also referred to as cubital tunnel syndrome, ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve—the nerve that travels from your neck down into your hand—becomes constricted or irritated. The most common place for nerve constriction is behind the inside part of the elbow. Symptoms of this syndrome include numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers.

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis is the inflammation of the biceps tendon, which connects your bicep muscles to the inside of your elbow joint. Tendinitis can cause elbow pain when straightening or bending your elbow. This tendon can also tear or completely rupture, which may cause intense pain.

Elbow Osteoarthritis

Elbow osteoarthritis results from a breakdown and wearing away of the protective cartilage that covers the bones. Although typically caused by age and genetics, prior injuries can increase the risk.

Dislocation

Elbow pain felt when you straighten your arm can be caused by a dislocation, but it is rare. The elbow joint can dislocate if you fall on your arm while fully extended. You will see noticeable bruising and swelling, and feel significant pain in the elbow when straightening your arm.

What your Elbow Pain might Be

To help you quickly connect what you are feeling to potential causes, here is a simple table mapping pain triggers to common elbow conditions:

Try This First: Simple At-Home Relief Tips

These easy, at-home steps can often provide meaningful relief before you seek professional care:

• Rest your arm
  Avoid repetitive motions, heavy lifting, or activities that trigger the pain.
  
• Apply ice or heat
  Ice can reduce inflammation after activity. Heat may help loosen stiff or tight muscles.
  
• Over-the-counter (OTC) supports
  Elbow straps, compression sleeves, or braces may decrease strain on irritated tendons.
  
• Gentle stretching
  Light, pain-free stretching can help reduce tightness.
  
• Short-term medication
  OTC anti-inflammatory medication, taken as directed, may help reduce symptoms.
  

When To See a Specialist

If your elbow pain does not improve after several days of rest or home care, or if symptoms worsen, it may be time to see a specialist. Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:

• Persistent pain lasting over one to two weeks
• Tingling, numbness, or radiating pain in the hand
• Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
• Noticeable weakness, swelling, or reduced range of motion
• A popping sound or sudden sharp pain during activity

At this stage, an orthopedic specialist can evaluate your elbow with advanced diagnostic imaging and targeted physical exams and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific elbow issue.

At EmergeOrtho-Blue Ridge Region, our board-certified, fellowship-trained doctors have extensive experience in a range of advanced treatments and procedures for the elbow and arm, including:

• Occupational/hand therapy
• Steroid and PRP injections
• Joint replacements
• Tennis elbow release
• Golfer’s elbow release
• Repair biceps tendon ruptures at the elbow
• Cubital tunnel release (ulnar nerve at the elbow)
• Elbow arthroscopy for loose bodies, arthritis
• Releases for stiff elbows
• Ligament reconstruction for loose elbows
• Operative fixation of elbow fractures

Check out a recent 5-star review of our Hendersonville location:

“I cannot say enough good things about this practice. Everyone I have encountered, from the front desk to the medical staff has been professional but friendly, concerned about patient care and comfort. I just had my follow-up from my second surgery by Dr Brooks, and couldn’t be more pleased. Communication with patients and PT is clear and comprehensive.”
— S. Burkett

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Schedule an appointment today to see our professional, friendly elbow team.