What could cause my elbow to hurt after being bent?

Pain in your elbow after bending may be caused by an old injury that hasn't healed properly. Trauma—such as falling or hitting your elbow—can cause fractures, ligament injuries, or dislocations. These injuries can lead to scar tissue forming inside the elbow joint which can then make your elbow stiff and painful when bending, a condition known as posttraumatic elbow stiffness. Arthritis and other inflammatory conditions can also cause elbow pain after bending. In addition to these conditions, tendonitis (inflammation of the tendons) and bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint) commonly develop from repetitive motions or overuse of the elbow. These conditions often worsen with continued bending movements. If your pain persists or worsens, you can check your symptoms with a free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and whether you should see a doctor for evaluation.