What could cause elbow pain when lifting and gripping objects?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Elbow pain when lifting or gripping objects is most often caused by overuse injuries such as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis). These conditions develop when repetitive motions strain the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the elbow, leading to inflammation, weakness, and pain during everyday tasks like carrying groceries, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands.

Because elbow pain can also stem from nerve compression, arthritis, or injury, identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. The fastest way to understand your symptoms and next steps is to take a free, instant, online symptom check—it takes just a few minutes and can help you decide whether home care, physical therapy, or a doctor's visit is the right move.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Elbow pain when lifting and gripping objects may be due to several underlying causes including:

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) - inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) - inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow
Arthritis - joint inflammation that can affect the elbow
Nerve compression or injury - such as cubital tunnel syndrome
Sprains or strains of the elbow ligaments and muscles

People who frequently use their arms for work or sports activities are more likely to experience this type of pain. While rest, proper technique, and therapeutic exercises can help reduce discomfort, allowing adequate time for healing is crucial. If you're experiencing persistent elbow pain, take our free AI symptom checker to better understand potential causes and determine whether you should seek medical attention. Understanding the root cause of elbow pain helps prevent overuse and protect the joint during daily activities.

(References)

Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431092/
Chourasia AO, Buhr KA, Rabago DP, Kijowski R, Irwin CB, Sesto ME. Effect of lateral epicondylosis on grip force development. J Hand Ther. 2012 Jan-Mar;25(1):27-36; quiz 37. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2011.09.003. Epub 2011 Dec 3. PMID: 22137195; PMCID: PMC3281279.
Curti S, Mattioli S, Bonfiglioli R, Farioli A, Violante FS. Elbow tendinopathy and occupational biomechanical overload: A systematic review with best-evidence synthesis. J Occup Health. 2021 Jan;63(1):e12186. doi: 10.1002/1348-9585.12186. PMID: 33534951; PMCID: PMC7857538.

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