What might cause a sharp pain in the elbow and how should it be addressed?

Sharp elbow pain can arise from several different causes. The most common ones include:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) - caused by repetitive arm movements that strain the tendons
• Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) - similar to tennis elbow but affects the inner elbow
• Olecranon bursitis - inflammation of the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow
• Nerve compression or entrapment - particularly of the ulnar nerve
• Fractures or stress injuries - especially following trauma or repetitive strain
• Arthritis - degenerative or inflammatory conditions affecting the elbow joint

To address elbow pain, rest the affected area, apply ice to reduce swelling, and if needed, take over-the-counter pain medication. Once the pain diminishes, try gentle stretches and physical therapy exercises to restore movement. If pain persists or worsens, visit a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.