What could be causing my elbow to ache all the time?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Elbow pain is most often caused by tendon conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow. However, muscle strains, ligament injuries, nerve compression, and joint problems like arthritis or bursitis can also be responsible. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment and relief.

Because elbow pain has many possible causes—some minor, others requiring medical care—it's important to understand what's driving your symptoms before deciding on next steps. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you pinpoint likely causes, assess urgency, and guide you toward the right care with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Constant elbow pain typically stems from conditions affecting the tendons, muscles, and joint. The most common causes are tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), and repetitive strain from everyday activities like typing or lifting.

Forearm muscle strain near the elbow—where the muscles that control wrist and finger movements are located—can also lead to ongoing discomfort.

Joint pain itself may arise from various issues. Osteoarthritis can cause pain as the protective cartilage gradually wears away. A pinched nerve or bursitis (swelling of the fluid-filled cushions in the joint) may also cause persistent elbow pain.

Finding the specific cause of your pain is crucial for proper treatment, and addressing it early can prevent future complications. You can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your elbow pain and determine appropriate next steps.

(References)

Kwapisz A, Prabhakar S, Compagnoni R, Sibilska A, Randelli P. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Elbow Pathologies: a Descriptive Review of Current Literature. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2018 Dec;11(4):598-606. doi: 10.1007/s12178-018-9520-1. PMID: 30255288; PMCID: PMC6220004.
Kheiran A, Pandey A, Pandey R. Common tendinopathies around the elbow; what does current evidence say? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 May 21;19:216-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.021. PMID: 34150494; PMCID: PMC8190485.
Pitzer ME, Seidenberg PH, Bader DA. Elbow tendinopathy. Med Clin North Am. 2014 Jul;98(4):833-49, xiii. doi: 10.1016/j.mcna.2014.04.002. Erratum in: Med Clin North Am. 2015 Jan;99(1):xix. PMID: 24994055.

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