Sometimes, you may ask, “Why does my elbow hurt when I extend it or bend it?” According to orthopedists, elbow pain can be caused by a variety of injuries, conditions, elbow strains, and traumas. You can often determine the underlying cause of your elbow pain by narrowing down where the pain emanates from and what type of pain it is. Identify the location of your pain from the lists below, learn the possible causes, and refer to the “Elbow Pain Reference Guide” for more details of the causes.

Pain on the Outside of My Elbow

Outside elbow pain, also known as lateral elbow pain, can be caused by an overuse injury or other injuries, conditions, and traumas:

• Tennis elbow
• Radial tunnel syndrome
• Radiohumeral bursitis
• Dislocation

Pain on the Inside of My Elbow

Pain on the inside of the elbow, or medial elbow pain, either comes on gradually through overuse (chronic injuries) or is sudden onset (acute injuries).

• Golfer’s elbow
• Biceps tendinitis
• Dislocation
• Fracture

Pain When Straightening or Bending Arm

There are a number of conditions that can cause elbow pain when bending or straightening your arm:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Bursitis
• Biceps tendinitis

Numbness or Tingling in Hand/Fingers

Numbness, tingling, or stiffness in your fingers is often associated with these elbow conditions or injuries:

• Golfer’s elbow
• Ulnar nerve entrapment

Swelling and Tenderness Around the Elbow

Swelling and tenderness around the elbow can be caused by trauma, strains, or injuries, including:

• Bursitis
• Elbow osteoarthritis
• Fracture

Limited Joint Movement/Stiffness

Limited elbow movement as well as stiffness is sometimes a symptom caused by:

• Osteoarthritis
• Ulnar Nerve entrapment
• Fracture

Elbow Popping

If you wonder, “Why does my elbow pop when I extend it?” This could be caused by a number of conditions, including:

• Tennis elbow
• Ulnar nerve entrapment
• Golfer’s elbow
• Dislocated elbow
• Sprain
• Fracture
• Loose Bodies

Elbow Pain Reference Guide

Biceps Tendinitis

Biceps tendinitis is the inflammation of the biceps tendon—which connects your bicep muscles to the inside of your elbow joint.

Bursitis (Radiohumeral)

Radiohumeral bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac on the outer elbow that reduces friction during movements. Inflammation of the radiohumeral bursa may be caused by a direct blow to the outer elbow, repetitive forearm movements, or infection.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Also known as Ulnar nerve entrapment, this occurs when the ulnar nerve—the nerve that travels from your neck down into your hand—becomes constricted or irritated most commonly behind the inside part of the elbow.

Dislocation

Elbow dislocations are uncommon and typically occur when a person falls onto an outstretched hand, sometimes with a turning motion in this force. The arm will look deformed and may have an odd twist at the elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is a common condition of the medial (inside) tendon, or inner part of the elbow. People suffering from golfer’s elbow have inner elbow pain that extends down the arm and may also have finger numbness, tingling, or stiffness.

Fracture

An elbow fracture is a fracture at the tip of the elbow. Fractures can happen as a result of trauma such as a direct blow, falling on the elbow, or landing on an outstretched hand.

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.

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Radial tunnel syndrome, or radial nerve entrapment, develops when there is compression of one of the nerves in the forearm, just below the elbow. This usually results from repetitive forearm movements such as gripping, twisting, and throwing activities.

Sprain

Elbow sprains are injuries to the ligaments around the elbow joint and can happen when the arm is bent or twisted quickly or forcibly.

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 often affects middle-age people involved in a number of sports activities and manually intensive occupations.

Professional Treatments for Elbow Issues

If your elbow pain persists, you should be evaluated by an orthopedic elbow specialist. EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region’s board-certified surgeons have extensive experience in a range of advanced treatments and procedures for the elbow, including:

• Hand therapy
• Steroid and PRP injections
• Joint Replacements
• Tennis Elbow Release
• Golfer’s Elbow Release
• Repair Biceps Tendon Ruptures at Elbow
• Cubital Tunnel Release
• Elbow Arthroscopy for Loose Bodies, Arthritis
• Releases for Stiff Elbows
• Ligament Reconstruction for Loose Elbows
• Operative Fixation of Elbow Fractures
• Elbow arthroscopy

If you are wondering why your elbow hurts and cannot get relief at home, contact us for a consultation so you can Emerge Stronger, Healthier, and Better.