Why does my elbow hurt when gripping objects?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Pain when gripping objects is most often caused by inflamed or injured tendons in the elbow, a condition commonly known as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). Repetitive motions, overuse, or sudden strain can trigger this tendon irritation, making everyday tasks like holding a cup, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands painful.

Because grip pain can also stem from other issues—such as nerve compression, arthritis, or a wrist injury—identifying the exact cause matters for effective treatment. A quick, free, and confidential symptom check can help you pinpoint what's likely going on, understand your options, and decide whether to see a doctor. It only takes a few minutes and could save you weeks of guesswork.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

When you feel pain while gripping objects, it's usually due to tendinopathy—inflammation or irritation of the tendons around your elbow joint. This typically happens from repeating the same motions too often or overusing your forearm muscles, particularly when gripping or twisting. The two most common conditions are tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow, and golfer's elbow, which affects the inside. You can treat mild cases by resting your elbow and applying ice to reduce inflammation. If the pain continues, you should check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and discuss treatment options with your healthcare provider.

(References)

Long L, Briscoe S, Cooper C, et al. What is the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of conservative interventions for tendinopathy? An overview of systematic reviews of clinical effectiveness and systematic review of economic evaluations. Southampton (UK): NIHR Journals Library; 2015 Jan. (Health Technology Assessment, No. 19.8.) Chapter 1, Background.
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.
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.

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