Why does my elbow hurt specifically when I bend it?

When you bend your elbow, the tendons and ligaments that help the joint move can become stressed. If a tendon or ligament is inflamed or injured—perhaps from overuse or a minor injury—it can hurt when you bend your arm. This type of pain can sometimes be seen in sports that put stress on the elbow, like throwing or pitching. For example, some athletes develop pain from tiny tears or strains in their tendons, which can hurt more during motion. In other cases, a previous elbow injury like a fracture may lead to discomfort when bending because the joint is not as stable. Other common reasons include tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon) or ligament sprain, which can cause pain when the joint moves. If you're experiencing ongoing elbow pain, you can get personalized insights about your symptoms by taking this free AI symptom checker, which can help you understand potential causes before consulting with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and treatment.