Elbow pain – common causes, symptoms and remedies
Elbow pain is common and can be caused by inflammation, overuse, bursitis (student elbow) or muscle strains. Common conditions include tennis elbow and golfer's elbow, both of which are caused by repetitive strain on the hand and wrist. Problems can also occur when the elbow is overextended, especially in explosive sports.
What is elbow pain?
The elbow joint consists of several tendon attachments and muscles that are often subjected to heavy strain. Pain usually occurs over the inside or outside of the joint where the tendons attach, but can also be located at the tip of the elbow in the case of bursitis. The inflammation often develops as a result of repeated, one-sided movements or prolonged strain.
Common causes & risk factors
Elbow pain can be caused by a number of different things. Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tendon attachment on the outside of the elbow and is often associated with repetitive movements of the hand and wrist, sometimes referred to as mouse elbow. Golf elbow instead affects the tendon attachment on the inside of the elbow but occurs through similar mechanisms. Another common cause is bursitis, which causes pain at the tip of the elbow and is often triggered by prolonged pressure against hard surfaces. Overextension, or hyperextension, can also cause problems and is particularly common in explosive sports such as handball, volleyball or athletics.
Symptoms
- Local pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
- Tenderness when pressure is applied over the tendon attachments
- Stiffness and difficulty gripping or lifting
- Swelling or increased heat locally in the elbow
- Pain with movement, strain, or pressure on the tip of the elbow
When should you seek medical attention?
Seek medical attention if the pain does not go away after rest and relief, if you experience prolonged swelling, or if the mobility of your elbow is severely limited.
Recommended protection & support
To reduce the discomfort, there are different types of protection that can be adapted to the nature of the problem. Relief elbow pads can reduce the load on the tendon attachments and relieve inflammation, while compression support contributes to increased circulation and supports recovery. In cases of overextension problems, movement-restricting elbow orthoses are often used to protect against harmful movements. In addition, ergonomic aids in everyday life and at work can reduce the risk of stressful movements and contribute to faster recovery. Find all our elbow pads here.
About our Injury Guide – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide, you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about arm and elbow problems, you can read more in the Injury Guide Arm, and you can also go to the Injury Guide main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
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There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalised selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist, Ida, you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
