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, use our free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before visiting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.