What could cause joint pain in the left elbow?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Left elbow pain is most commonly caused by tendon overuse (tendinopathy) or arthritis, but many other conditions can be responsible, including nerve compression, bursitis, ligament sprains, fractures, or referred pain from the neck or shoulder.

Because the causes of left elbow pain vary widely—ranging from minor strains to conditions that need prompt medical attention—identifying the likely source early can help you avoid worsening symptoms and choose the right next step. A free, instant, online symptom check analyzes your specific symptoms, medical history, and risk factors to help you understand what may be causing your pain and whether you should see a doctor, try home care, or seek urgent evaluation.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Elbow pain most commonly stems from tendon injury or arthritis. Tendinopathy occurs when the tendons around your elbow become overused or irritated, often from repetitive motions. Arthritis is another frequent cause, where joint inflammation leads to pain from wear and tear. That being said, there are many other possible causes of elbow pain. If you experience persistent or severe elbow pain, try Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help identify potential causes and determine if you should consult a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation of your specific condition.

(References)

Kheiran A, Pandey A, Pandey R. Common tendinopathies around the elbow; what does current evidence say? J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2021 May 21;19:216-223. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.021. PMID: 34150494; PMCID: PMC8190485.
Zhou Y, Zhu L, Lin YX, Cheng HL. Charcot Elbow Joint as the Initial Symptom in Chiari Malformation with Syringomyelia. Chin Med J (Engl). 2015 Dec 20;128(24):3381-2. doi: 10.4103/0366-6999.171466. PMID: 26668155; PMCID: PMC4797516.
Baimukhamedov C. Arthritis of the left elbow joint after vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Int J Rheum Dis. 2021 Sep;24(9):1218-1220. doi: 10.1111/1756-185X.14202. Epub 2021 Aug 6. PMID: 34363344; PMCID: PMC8441889

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