What steps should I take when my elbow hurts persistently?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Persistent elbow pain shouldn't be ignored. Common causes include tendinitis (tennis or golfer's elbow), bursitis, arthritis, nerve compression, or injury to ligaments and tendons. A doctor's evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause and rule out serious conditions.

Standard treatment options include:

Rest to avoid aggravating movements
Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
Physical therapy, if recommended by your doctor
Anti-inflammatory medication in some cases

Because elbow pain has many possible causes, pinpointing yours early leads to faster relief and prevents long-term damage. Before booking an appointment or waiting to see if it resolves on its own, take a few minutes to complete a free, instant, online symptom check. It helps you understand what may be driving your pain, what questions to ask your doctor, and how urgently you should seek care — empowering you to make informed decisions about your next steps.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

If your elbow hurts persistently, the first step is to have it examined by a healthcare professional to determine the cause. Before your appointment, you can use a free symptom checker to help understand what might be causing your discomfort. They will typically recommend resting your elbow and avoiding movements that trigger pain. To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack to your elbow for 15–20 minutes several times a day. Your provider may suggest over-the-counter pain medication when appropriate.

Physical therapy might be recommended to strengthen and improve flexibility in the muscles around your elbow. In some cases, your provider may suggest exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture.

Remember that these steps should be part of a professional treatment plan. This information is for educational purposes only—always consult a doctor for a care plan tailored to your specific needs.

(References)

Taylor SA, Hannafin JA. Evaluation and management of elbow tendinopathy. Sports Health. 2012 Sep;4(5):384-93. doi: 10.1177/1941738112454651. PMID: 23016111; PMCID: PMC3435941.
Amin NH, Kumar NS, Schickendantz MS. Medial epicondylitis: evaluation and management. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2015 Jun;23(6):348-55. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-14-00145. PMID: 26001427.
Pathan AF, Sharath HV. A Review of Physiotherapy Techniques Used in the Treatment of Tennis Elbow. Cureus. 2023 Oct 26;15(10):e47706. doi: 10.7759/cureus.47706. PMID: 38021828; PMCID: PMC10674892.

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