Elbow pain FAQs

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This video gives an overview of the common causes of elbow pain, how you can help yourself, and advice on when to seek further help.

Click here to visit our "Looking after yourself" page.

Click here for information on how to seek further help, including how to be referred to your local CIC MSK service.

Common causes of elbow pain

Tennis elbow – pain on the outside of the elbow
Golfer's elbow – pain on the inside of the elbow
Both the above conditions usually occurs after overuse activity of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint. It is most common between the ages of 40-60. Almost 80% of people recover with self-management advice.
Elbow osteoarthritis – Pain and grinding in the elbow joint itself on movement with restriction of range of movement may represent arthritis ‘wear ‘ within the joint . Rare under 40 years of age.
Ulnar neuritis – also known as cubital tunnel syndrome. Repetitive movement or prolonged bending at the elbow may irritate the ulnar nerve (‘funny bone’) as it winds around the inside of the elbow joint. Because of the route followed by the nerve it results in tingling and numbness in the fourth and fifth fingers of the affected hand.

Other causes of elbow pain:

Simple strain or sprain:
- Injury to muscle/ligament/tendon, usually caused by overuse or a sudden movement with reduced function
- This will usually settle with self-management advice above. If it is not settling after 7-10 days you should seek advice for from a clinician
Bursitis
- The fluid filled “cushion” (bursa) over the tip of the elbow (olecranon) becomes inflamed, usually through direct injury or repetitive movement. This results in a ‘soft bag of fluid’ protruding from the point of the elbow.
- In addition to relevant ‘Self- Management’ advice above. A tubigrip type compression bandage may provide relief and speed recovery. Symptoms usually settle over a few weeks.
- If it persists despite self-management your doctor may drain the fluid from the bursa. While there is a high recurrence rate it is a simple procedure with little risk that can be worth trying if persistent symptoms.
- If it becomes red, hot or inflamed see your doctor soon as it may become infected and need a course of antibiotics. This is not common.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
- Pain may arise around the elbow and forearm when performing particular tasks repetitively over a long period of time, such as using a computer at work, or repetitive manual labour.
- RSI is not a diagnosis but a reflection of the cause. If you feel work may be causing your condition talk to your employer and/or occupational health department about adapting your work environment, if appropriate. If symptoms do not settle, seek clinical guidance to obtain specific diagnosis and advice.

What can I do myself to get better – now and in the future

Many elbow conditions will settle within 6 weeks with self-management.

Rest – Arm and elbow pain are generally best managed, at least initially, with relative rest. It may help to wear a splint during the day (but you should take this off at night or when resting). When exercising, ensure you warm up gently and properly to help avoid injury.
Cold – Apply ice packs or a bag of frozen peas (wrap in a cloth to prevent ice burns) and apply to the painful area to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Elevation – If swelling. Try to keep the arm elevated above the level of the heart if possible, to help reduce any swelling
Painkillers – Taking regular doses of painkillers like ibuprofen, paracetamol, or a combination, are often helpful. Alternatively, you may prefer to use ‘rub on’ (topical) versions instead. Speak to your pharmacist for further information.
Appliances – Tennis and Golfer's elbow will often benefit from an appropriate splint which may be purchased from your pharmacist or online.

Visit our Looking after yourself page for lots of helpful advice, including exercises you can try.

When should I seek help?

You should contact your GP surgery and ask to see a First Contact Physiotherapist (FCP) or a GP, or refer yourself to your local MSK service if that’s an option, if your condition has not settled after 6 weeks of self-management.

To find out how to be referred to your local NHS Circle MSK service, click here.

You should contact your GP urgently if:

You have severe pain, tingling, or numbness in the arm or fingers
Your limb feels cold
You think you may have broken your arm (for example it is severely swollen or appears to be deformed).
The joint becomes hot, red, swollen and tender, and/or you feel feverish