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Published on: 8/20/2026
Elbow pain has many possible causes, including tendon issues like tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, ligament sprains, fractures, bursitis, nerve compression, and arthritis-related joint wear. Symptoms may include aching, stiffness, swelling, tingling, or weakness when gripping or lifting. Identifying the underlying cause of elbow pain is essential to choosing the right treatment—whether that's rest, physical therapy, medication, or medical evaluation.
Because elbow pain can stem from so many different conditions, guessing isn't the smartest path forward. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you quickly narrow down likely causes based on your specific symptoms, giving you clarity on what's happening and confidence in your next steps—whether that's home care or seeing a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and could save you days of uncertainty.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026
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Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of elbow pain. It occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become inflamed from repetitive movements or overuse. Small, repeated injuries to these tendons build up over time and cause pain. Trauma to the elbow can also cause pain. Trauma can result from a fall, impact, or other injury that disrupts the elbow's normal structure. If the joint is overused or doesn't get enough time to heal, it may develop arthritis or other degenerative changes. Sometimes, pressure on the nerves passing through the elbow can also lead to persistent discomfort. Several treatment options are available, including targeted exercises, tendon and nerve rehabilitation therapy, and protective measures during daily activities. If you're experiencing elbow pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker before seeing a healthcare professional to determine the specific cause of your pain and create the most effective treatment plan.
(References)
Ahmad Z, Siddiqui N, Malik SS, Abdus-Samee M, Tytherleigh-Strong G, Rushton N. Lateral epicondylitis: a review of pathology and management. Bone Joint J. 2013 Sep;95-B(9):1158-64. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.95B9.29285. PMID: 23997125.
Welsh P. Tendon neuroplastic training for lateral elbow tendinopathy: 2 case reports. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2018 Aug;62(2):98-104. PMID: 30305765; PMCID: PMC6173218.
Updated 2024 Apr 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542228/
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