Doctors Note Logo

Back

Published on: 5/15/2025

What Could Be the Underlying Reasons for Experiencing Left Elbow Pain?

Tomas Diaz

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

Elbow pain can stem from various issues affecting the tendons, nerves, and joint itself.

answer background

Explanation

There are many potential causes of elbow pain. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) - This condition causes pain on the outside of the elbow due to overuse of forearm muscles and tendons.
  • Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) - Pain occurs on the inner side of the elbow from strain on the tendons that connect to the forearm.
  • Arthritis - Inflammation of the elbow joint can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Other possible causes include:

  • Bursitis - Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the elbow joint can lead to pain and swelling.
  • Fractures or stress injuries - Broken bones or repetitive stress on the elbow can cause significant pain.
  • Ulnar nerve entrapment - Compression of the ulnar nerve (funny bone) can cause pain, numbness, and tingling.

Since this is not a complete list of all possible causes, consult your healthcare provider to determine the specific reason for your elbow pain.

(References)

  • van Riet RP. Assessment and decision making in the unstable elbow: management of simple dislocations. Shoulder Elbow. 2017 Apr;9(2):136-143. doi: 10.1177/1758573216686533. Epub 2017 Jan 29. PMID: 28405226; PMCID: PMC5384540.

  • Mabvuure NT, Malahias M, Hindocha S, Khan W, Juma A. Acute compartment syndrome of the limbs: current concepts and management. Open Orthop J. 2012;6:535-43. doi: 10.2174/1874325001206010535. Epub 2012 Nov 30. PMID: 23248724; PMCID: PMC3522209.

  • 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.

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

smily Shiba-inu looking

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Learn more about symptoms

Elbow pain

Not sure about the cause of your current symptoms?

AI Symptom Check

Try our AI-based symptom checker

With an easy 3-min questionnaire, you can get a free AI-powered report on possible causes

Tips to try:

  • Provide specific, detailed info about all symptoms you have.
  • Give accurate information about yourself including current conditions.
  • Answer all follow-up questions

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor’s Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.