What could cause elbow pain when bending and straightening the arm?

There are several reasons why your elbow might hurt when you move it. One common cause is epicondylitis. This is an injury to the muscles and tendons around the elbow caused by repetitive motions or overuse. When the stress on the elbow is high—like from certain jobs or sports—the tendons on the outside (lateral epicondylitis, sometimes called tennis elbow) or the inside (medial epicondylitis, sometimes called golfer’s elbow) can get inflamed and hurt when you bend and straighten your arm. Another possibility is elbow stiffness that can happen after an injury or surgery. When the elbow joint has been injured or fixed with surgery, scar tissue might form, making the movement painful and tight. Other causes might include inflammation or early arthritis, but the studies we have show that repetitive use, occupation, and post-injury healing can play big roles in making the elbow hurt. If the pain does not improve, it is important to follow up with a doctor for more advice.