What should I do if I've had elbow pain for months?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Persistent elbow pain lasting more than a few weeks should be evaluated by a doctor. Common causes include tendinitis, arthritis, nerve compression, or injury. Treatment plans typically combine rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and targeted strengthening exercises to restore function and prevent recurrence.

Not sure what's causing your elbow pain or whether it warrants a doctor's visit? Because elbow pain has many possible causes—each requiring different treatment—getting clarity on your specific symptoms is the critical first step. Take a free, instant, online symptom check to better understand what may be behind your pain and confidently plan your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

If you've had elbow pain for months, it's important to see a healthcare professional. To help understand your symptoms before your appointment, try this free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about possible causes.

Common treatments for elbow pain include applying ice and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling. Physical therapy or specific exercises, guided by a professional, can also strengthen the elbow muscles and promote recovery.

Work closely with your healthcare provider to select treatments tailored to your specific case, allowing for a gradual and safe return to your daily activities.

(References)

Pattanittum P, Turner T, Green S, Buchbinder R. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treating lateral elbow pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013 May 31;2013(5):CD003686. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD003686.pub2. PMID: 23728646; PMCID: PMC7173751.
Lin KM, Ellenbecker TS, Safran MR. Rehabilitation and Return to Sport Following Elbow Injuries. Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022 Mar 5;4(3):e1245-e1251. doi: 10.1016/j.asmr.2022.01.012. PMID: 35747663; PMCID: PMC9210377.
Karjalainen TV, Ponkilainen V, Chong A, Johnston RV, Le TLA, Lähdeoja TA, Buchbinder R. Glucocorticoid injections for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Sep 6;2022(9):CD001978. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD001978.pub2. PMCID: PMC9446381.

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