What Are the Potential Causes of Elbow Pain?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Elbow pain occurs for various reasons, including problems with the tendons, muscles, and nerves surrounding the elbow.

Explanation

Elbow pain can arise from various parts of the elbow. Common causes typically result from repetitive motions and include tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), which affects the outer part of the elbow, and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), which affects the inner part. Other potential causes include arthritis, bursitis, and trapped nerves like ulnar nerve entrapment. Persistent pain should be evaluated by a healthcare provider who can assess your specific situation.

(References)

Gangatharam S. Anconeus syndrome: A potential cause for lateral elbow pain and its therapeutic management-A case report. J Hand Ther. 2021 Jan-Mar;34(1):131-134. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2019.04.002. Epub 2019 Sep 3. PMID: 31492479.
Rineer CA, Ruch DS. Elbow tendinopathy and tendon ruptures: epicondylitis, biceps and triceps ruptures. J Hand Surg Am. 2009 Mar;34(3):566-76. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.01.022. PMID: 19258160.
Johns N, Shridhar V. Lateral epicondylitis: Current concepts. Aust J Gen Pract. 2020 Nov;49(11):707-709. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-07-20-5519. PMID: 33123709.
Aben A, De Wilde L, Hollevoet N, Henriquez C, Vandeweerdt M, Ponnet K, Van Tongel A. Tennis elbow: associated psychological factors. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018 Mar;27(3):387-392. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2017.11.033. PMID: 29433642.

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