At a glance
What it is / ما هو
A complex joint that allows extension, flexion, and rotation of the hand and forearm. Pain often follows overuse or repetitive movement.
Symptoms / العلامات
Pain with specific movements, sometimes accompanied by stiffness, swelling, or weakness. The exact motion that triggers pain can be hard to describe.
Approach / النهج
Clinical examination to identify the cause; imaging when indicated. Most cases are managed with activity modification, physiotherapy, or targeted injection.
What elbow pain is
Elbow pain usually isn't serious, but because you use your elbow in so many ways, elbow pain can be very frustrating. Your elbow is a complex joint; it allows you to both extend and flex, as well as rotate your hand and forearm. Since most movements are a combination of these actions, you may sometimes find it difficult to describe exactly which movement brings on the pain.
Elbow pain is often caused by overuse. Many sports, hobbies and jobs require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements. Elbow pain may occasionally be due to arthritis, but in general, your elbow joint is much less prone to wear-and-tear damage than are many other joints.
Common causes
Common causes of elbow pain include:
- Broken arm - Bursitis (joint inflammation) - Dislocated elbow - Golfer's elbow - Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints) - Osteochondritis dissecans - Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease) - Sprains - Stress fractures - Tendinitis - Tennis elbow - Throwing injuries - Trapped nerves
Book a consultation
The secretary schedules first appointments during clinic hours; please have prior imaging, operative notes and a current medication list available at the time of the call.
This page provides general information about elbow pain and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If your symptoms are severe or worsening, contact a clinician promptly.