Elbow Pain

Elbow Pain

Pain around the elbow during daily activities or at rest.

Pain While Gripping

Difficulty holding tools, opening jars, carrying bags, or shaking hands.

Pain During Lifting

Discomfort while lifting objects or performing household tasks.

Tenderness

Pain when pressing on the inner or outer part of the elbow.

Stiffness

Difficulty fully bending or straightening the elbow.

Weak Grip Strength

Reduced ability to grip objects firmly due to pain or weakness.

Tingling or Numbness

Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers (possible ulnar nerve irritation).

Pain During Sports

Symptoms may worsen with tennis, golf, weightlifting, or racquet sports.

Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy (Tennis Elbow)

Most common cause of outer elbow pain due to overload of wrist extensor tendons.

Medial Elbow Tendinopathy (Golfer's Elbow)

Pain on the inner elbow related to overload of wrist flexor tendons.

Repetitive Overuse

Repeated gripping, lifting, typing, or manual work can overload elbow tissues.

Ligament Injury

Sports or traumatic injuries can strain or tear elbow ligaments.

Nerve Compression

Ulnar nerve or other nerves around the elbow can become compressed.

Arthritis

Age-related joint changes or inflammatory conditions may cause pain and stiffness.

Trauma

Falls, direct blows, fractures, or dislocations can injure the elbow.

Office Workers

Frequent keyboard and mouse use with prolonged static positions.

Manual Workers

Repeated gripping, lifting, hammering, or tool use.

Racquet Sport Athletes

Tennis, badminton, squash, and pickleball players.

Golfers

Repeated swinging may overload the inner elbow.

Weightlifters

Heavy gripping and repetitive loading of forearm muscles.

Throwing Athletes

Baseball, cricket, javelin, and overhead throwing sports.

Individuals with Previous Elbow Injuries

Previous injury increases likelihood of future symptoms.

Clinical Assessment

Medical History

• When symptoms started
• Pain location
• Repetitive activities
• Sporting participation
• Previous injuries
• Tingling or numbness
• Aggravating movements
• Occupation

Physical Examination

• Elbow range of motion
• Grip strength
• Muscle strength
• Joint stability
• Functional tasks
• Neck and shoulder screening

Special Tests & Imaging

Special Tests

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer's elbow
• Ligament injuries
• Ulnar nerve irritation
• Distal biceps tendon injury
• Joint instability

Diagnosis is based on your history, examination findings, and clinical reasoning.

Imaging

Routine imaging is not necessary for many elbow conditions. X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be recommended when a fracture is suspected, significant trauma has occurred, tendon rupture is suspected, symptoms persist despite rehabilitation, or surgery is being considered.

Education

Understanding your diagnosis and remaining appropriately active are key for recovery.

Exercise Therapy

Progressive strengthening of forearm, wrist, shoulder, and upper limb.

Manual Therapy

Joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques may help when combined with exercise.

Activity Modification

Temporarily reducing aggravating activities supports recovery.

Medication

Short-term pain relief may be appropriate under medical supervision.

Injections

May be considered for persistent tendinopathy after specialist evaluation.

Surgery

Reserved for tendon ruptures, persistent nerve compression, significant ligament injuries, or severe arthritis.

Target: Wrist extensor tendons

Hold: 10–20 seconds × 8–10 reps

Precaution: Mild discomfort is acceptable, but avoid severe pain.

Target: Wrist extensors

Reps: 10–15 × 2–3 sets

Target: Wrist flexors

Reps: 10–15 × 2–3 sets

Target: Forearm rotators

Reps: 10–15 × 2 sets

Target: Hand & forearm muscles

Reps: 10–15 squeezes × 2–3 sets

Target: Biceps & elbow flexors

Reps: 10–12 × 2 sets

Build Forearm Strength

Regular strengthening improves tendon and muscle capacity.

Warm Up Before Sport

Prepare wrist, forearm, and shoulder before activity.

Improve Technique

Correct technique reduces excessive stress on the elbow.

Progress Gradually

Avoid sudden increases in training volume or gripping tasks.

Take Regular Breaks

Schedule movement breaks during repetitive work.

Strengthen the Shoulder

Strong shoulders help distribute forces better through the arm.

Tennis Elbow

Golfer's Elbow

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Radial Tunnel Syndrome

Distal Biceps Tendon Injury

Triceps Tendinopathy

Elbow Osteoarthritis

Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injury

Olecranon Bursitis

Cervical Radiculopathy