What Steps Should I Take When My Elbow Hurts Persistently?

Reviewed by Tomas Diaz, MD

Emergency Medicine

If your elbow hurts persistently, it's important to have a doctor examine it. Treatment typically includes rest, ice therapy, gentle exercises, and — based on your doctor's recommendation — physical therapy.

Explanation

If your elbow hurts persistently, the first step is to have it examined by a healthcare professional to determine the cause. 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)

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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.
Mahanta V, Dudhamal TS, Gupta SK. Management of tennis elbow by Agnikarma. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2013 Jan;4(1):45-7. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.109552. PMID: 23741162; PMCID: PMC3667434.

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