Elbow problems are common. Although it can be very uncomfortable, it is rarely due to a serious cause. For most people, the pain will normally resolve within 6-12 weeks without having to see a healthcare provider.
A number of factors have been associated with elbow pain including-
- Repetitive movement leading to irritation or inflammation
- A sprain/strain from an injury
- A sudden increase or decrease in your normal activity or exercise levels
- Muscle weakness
- Nerve irritation - pain travelling from the neck into the arm and sometimes affecting the hand
- Other conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia
- Following a period of increased stress, worry or low mood
- Following a period of poor sleep, fatigue or feeling run down
- Other lifestyle factors such as being overweight and smoking
- A flare up of longstanding elbow pain
Common symptoms include:
- Pain around the outer side of the elbow is called ‘Tennis elbow’
- Pain around the inner side of the elbow is called ‘Golfer’s elbow’
- Pain on gripping/lifting
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Tingling or numbness in/or around the elbow, hand or fingers.
You may experience constant or intermittent (comes and goes) symptoms that are worse by certain activities and eased by others.
In the first few days after an onset of elbow pain, changing or reducing your usual activities may help. However, there is strong evidence that keeping active and gradually returning to all your usual activities and exercise will help you recover.
It is normal to experience some pain during your recovery, but it does not mean you are damaging your elbow.
It is recommended to try to continue at work or return as soon as you are able. Your employer, GP or health practitioner will be able to advise on how to return to your normal work duties.
Self help tips
- Apply a heat or icepack to the painful area – for up to 15 minutes. Never apply heat or ice directly to the skin.
- Pain medication can help to reduce the pain and help you move more comfortably, which can help your recovery. Speak to your local pharmacist about medication or other methods of pain relief . It’s important to take medication regularly.
- Keep moving. Regular movement and exercise is safe and helpful for elbow pain. It is important to build up gradually – the exercise or activity you enjoy most, is likely to help your recovery.
- Good sleep habits and managing stress may help you cope better with your pain.
Please see our condition specific self help guides below, with exercises and management advice for you to try to self manage your condition.
TBC
- Elbow pain is common WITHOUT any damage to the joint.
- X-rays and scans often DO NOT show the cause of your pain.
- Creaking or clicking elbow joints are common in people without elbow pain. It is a RARELY a sign of harm or damage.
- Movement and exercise is NOT harmful for elbow joint.
- Your elbow can become stronger and healthier with regular movement and exercise.
- Improving your sleep and general health is all also important for your elbow pain.
Call your GP surgery if:
- Your pain is getting worse
- You have tried the self-help tips for 3-4 weeks and the symptoms have not improved.
Seek immediate medical advice if:
- After a fall or injury
- your elbow is misshapen and swollen
- you are unable to move your elbow/arm
- You have a sudden loss of power and/or feeling in one or both arms and/or hands.
- You have a fever and your elbow is hot, red, swollen and painful.
-
X-rays or scans or are NOT usually required to diagnose elbow pain.
-
X-rays or scans are NOT able to tell us how much pain you are experiencing.
-
X-rays and scans often show joint narrowing and osteoarthritis which are common in people WITHOUT elbow pain. These findings are unlikely to change the way you manage your pain.
-
X-rays and scans are best used where a serious injury (e.g., a broken bone) or conditions such as cancer or infection are suspected.
-
If you’re off work sick for seven days or less, your employer will normally ask you to complete a self-certificate for sick leave as soon as you return to work.
-
If you're off work sick for more than seven days your employer will normally ask for a fit note (or Statement of Fitness for Work) from your GP.
-
You can read more information here: Getting a fit note (www.nhs.uk)
Versus Arthritis elbow pain information booklet
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle
Making healthy lifestyle changes can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing. Some of the main areas to address are shown below:
Tips to help you lose weight - NHS
Fall asleep faster and sleep better - Every Mind Matters - NHS
Psychological talking therapies - LSCFT
Mental health support for veterans, service leavers and reservists - NHS
It’s important to consider addressing these lifestyle changes alongside your physiotherapy treatment. Your clinician will be able to offer further advice or signpost you to other organisations or local services for further support with improving your wellbeing.