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Understanding Elbow Pain

Common in repetitive activities

1-3%of the population affected by tennis elbow
View ConditionsSee Exercises
Understanding the Joint

Elbow Anatomy

Elbow anatomy illustration

The elbow is a hinge joint where three bones meet: the humerus, radius, and ulna allowing bending and forearm rotation.

Key Structures

  • Humerus (upper arm bone)
  • Radius and Ulna (forearm bones)
  • Lateral epicondyle (outer bump)
  • Medial epicondyle (inner bump)
  • Ulnar nerve (funny bone nerve)
Common Causes

Elbow Pain Conditions

Tennis Elbow

Most common

Lateral epicondylitis - overuse injury affecting tendons on the outer elbow from repetitive motions.

Symptoms

  • Pain on outer elbow
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain with wrist extension
  • Pain lifting objects

Golfer's Elbow

Common

Medial epicondylitis - affects the inner elbow from repetitive wrist flexion.

Symptoms

  • Pain on inner elbow
  • Pain with wrist flexion
  • Weak grip
  • Numbness/tingling in ring and pinky fingers

Elbow Bursitis

Common

Olecranon bursitis - inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow.

Symptoms

  • Visible swelling at elbow tip
  • Pain with pressure
  • Limited bending
  • Warm to touch

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

2nd most common nerve compression

Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow (funny bone area).

Symptoms

  • Numbness in ring and pinky fingers
  • Weak grip
  • Pain with elbow bending
  • Clumsiness with fine motor tasks

Elbow Arthritis

Less common than other joints

Cartilage loss in the elbow joint often post-traumatic or from rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

  • Stiffness
  • Grinding sensation
  • Locking or catching
  • Pain at end ranges of motion
Physical Therapy

Recommended Exercises

Consult a healthcare provider before starting any exercise program.

Wrist Extension Stretch

Hold 30 sec x 3Extensor muscles

Extend arm with palm down. Use other hand to gently push hand down until stretch is felt.

Eccentric Wrist Curls

3 sets of 15Tendon strengthening

Hold light weight palm down. Use other hand to lift weight up, then slowly lower using only the injured arm.

Forearm Rotation

3 sets of 15Forearm muscles

Hold light weight vertically. Rotate forearm to turn palm up, then down. Keep elbow at side.

Ball Squeezes

3 sets of 10Grip strength

Squeeze tennis ball or stress ball. Hold 5 seconds, release.

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Red Flags

When to See a Doctor

  • ! Visible elbow deformity
  • ! Unable to straighten or bend elbow
  • ! Severe swelling or bruising
  • ! Numbness in hand that persists
  • ! Pain not improving with 2 weeks of rest
  • ! Significant weakness in hand
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