Published on: 5/15/2025
Pain near the elbow during arm rotation is typically caused by tendon overuse (such as tennis elbow) or nerve irritation due to stretching or compression.
Twisting your arm can strain the muscles and tendons around your elbow. One common cause is tennis elbow, where the tendons on the outside of your elbow become irritated due to repetitive movements. The pain may also stem from compressed nerves that run through or around the elbow. When these nerves are irritated by twisting motions, they can cause sharp or burning sensations. Overuse injuries to muscles and tendons are another source of twisting-related pain. For relief, rest your arm and apply ice to the affected area. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a healthcare provider.
(References)
Buchanan BK, Varacallo MA. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow) [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK431092/
Booth SM, Abosala A, Peach C. Anterior Elbow Pain Caused by Compression of the Lateral Antebrachial Cutaneous Nerve. J Orthop Case Rep. 2017 Sep-Oct;7(5):63-66. doi: 10.13107/jocr.2250-0685.898. PMID: 29242798; PMCID: PMC5728002.
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