Elbow pain can be very uncomfortable and interfere with daily activities—ranging from simple tasks like lifting a cup of coffee to more demanding movements such as carrying heavy objects or engaging in sports. The elbow joint (articulatio cubiti), which enables flexion and extension of the arm, plays a crucial role in the normal functioning of the upper limbs. Due to its high mobility and involvement in a wide range of motions, the elbow is prone to various injuries, conditions, and diseases that can lead to pain.
Although elbow pain is often not a serious issue, it can be a symptom of many different conditions, from injuries and inflammation to chronic diseases such as arthritis. The pain may range from mild discomfort to severe distress that significantly impairs normal arm function.
Difference in Pain and Injuries Between the Left and Right Elbow
Elbow pain can occur in either the left or right arm, although many people don’t consider that it might differ depending on which side is affected. However, several factors can influence how and why pain develops in one arm over the other, including hand dominance, the type of activities performed, and specific injuries or medical conditions.
Dominant hand and load/stress
For most people, the right hand is dominant, meaning it is used more frequently for everyday activities such as writing, eating, lifting objects, and various fine motor tasks. As a result, the right elbow is often more susceptible to overuse injuries involving the muscles, tendons, and joints. For example, tennis elbow (epicondylitis) most commonly affects the right elbow due to repetitive strain from frequent motion.
On the other hand, the left arm is typically used less, but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to injury. In left-handed individuals, pain can arise for similar reasons, but may also be linked to asymmetric load—such as carrying a bag on one side or poor posture. The left arm can also be more prone to injuries in certain sports or activities, such as golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) or sport-specific strain related to particular types of movement or exercise.
Injuries and mechanical problems
Elbow injuries, whether involving the joints, muscles, or tendons, can occur in either elbow, but the way they manifest and are treated may vary. For example, an elbow dislocation or fracture can occur in either arm, with similar symptoms such as sharp pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
However, pain in the right elbow may also be related to mechanical problems caused by overuse of the right arm. Sports like tennis, badminton, or even computer work can lead to specific issues in the right elbow, while the left arm may be affected by injuries resulting from accidents, falls, or improper posture.
Specific conditions and diseases
Although elbow pain can be similar in both arms, health problems affecting both sides—such as arthritis, bursitis, or nerve compression—may manifest differently in the left and right arms. Conditions like osteoporosis can increase the risk of injury on either side, while nerve inflammation (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome) can cause pain that radiates to the elbow, with specific symptoms varying depending on which side the nerve is compressed.
Most common causes of elbow pain
Elbow pain can arise from various causes, with some of the most common including injuries, inflammation, and degenerative changes. Understanding the causes of elbow pain can help in finding appropriate treatment and preventing long-term problems. Here are some of the most frequent causes of elbow pain:
Epicondylitis (Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow)
Epicondylitis, often known as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow,” is inflammation of the tendons that attach to the outer or inner part of the elbow.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): This type causes pain on the outer side of the elbow and is most commonly associated with repetitive arm movements, such as tennis strokes or other activities involving gripping motions.
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): This form causes pain on the inner side of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive rotational movements, like those used in golf swings.
Symptoms include pain, weakened arm strength, and tenderness around the elbow. Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in severe cases, injections or surgery.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa—small fluid-filled sacs that allow smooth movement between bones and soft tissues. In the elbow, olecranon bursitis, located at the back of the elbow, is the most common. It can result from repeated stress or trauma, such as prolonged pressure on the elbow, overuse, or direct injury. Symptoms include swelling, redness, pain, and warmth at the site of inflammation. Treatment includes rest, ice application, pain relievers, and sometimes corticosteroid injections.
Arthritis and Degenerative Changes
Arthritis, or joint inflammation, can affect the elbow causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. The two most common types of arthritis causing elbow pain are:
Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition caused by cartilage wear and tear in the joints, leading to stiffness and pain during movement, which may worsen over time.
Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in joints, including the elbow, potentially leading to severe joint damage.
Symptoms include pain, difficulty moving the joint, stiffness, and swelling. Treatment typically involves medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery or biologic therapies.
Injuries and Trauma
Injuries such as impacts, falls, or strains can cause elbow pain. These may involve broken bones, sprained ligaments, bruises, or dislocations. Soft tissue damage around the elbow can also cause acute pain. Symptoms include sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and reduced range of motion. Treatment includes ice, rest, immobilization, and medical interventions such as physical therapy or surgery depending on the injury severity.
Nerve Problems (Compression)
Nerve compression around the elbow can cause pain, stiffness, numbness, and weakness. This may result from pressure on nerves near the elbow or neck.
Cubital tunnel syndrome: Occurs when the ulnar nerve, which passes through the elbow, is compressed or pinched, causing pain and numbness in the hand and fingers.
Radiculopathy: Sometimes nerve problems in the neck, such as a herniated disc, can cause pain radiating to the elbow.
Symptoms include numbness, weakness in the arm, and elbow pain radiating into the hand. Treatment involves physical therapy, pain medication, and in some cases, surgery to relieve nerve compression.
Symptoms of elbow pain
Elbow pain can manifest in various ways depending on the underlying cause. Understanding the symptoms can help you recognize the issue more quickly and seek appropriate treatment. Here are some key symptoms associated with elbow pain:
Pain Location
The location of pain is one of the most important symptoms to help diagnose the cause of elbow pain. Pain can occur in different parts of the elbow, most commonly:
Outer elbow: Pain on the outer side may indicate epicondylitis (tennis elbow), often caused by overuse and strain on the tendons attaching to the outer elbow. The pain can be sharp and worsen with arm movements.
Inner elbow: Pain on the inner side may signal golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), related to strain on tendons attaching to the inner elbow.
Back of the elbow: Pain here can be due to bursitis or trauma affecting the olecranon bursa located at the back of the elbow.
Generalized pain: If pain spreads throughout the arm or feels like a dull pressure in the joint, it may indicate nerve problems or arthritis.
Tenderness and Restricted Movement
Tenderness around the elbow can signal inflammation or irritation of the joint. The painful area may be sensitive to touch, and applying pressure can increase discomfort. Sometimes a specific spot is especially tender, such as the outer elbow in tennis elbow or the inner elbow in golfer’s elbow.
Pain can also limit elbow mobility. People with elbow pain often struggle to move their arm through its full range, experiencing stiffness and discomfort. This stiffness may result from joint inflammation, tendon injury, or degenerative changes like arthritis or osteoarthritis. Since the elbow enables bending and straightening of the arm, reduced mobility can significantly impact daily activities such as lifting objects or performing basic tasks.
Swelling and Redness
Swelling is common when inflammation is present in the joint and can result from:
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa in the elbow region may cause noticeable swelling, especially if fluid accumulates.
Trauma or injury: Direct impacts or falls can cause swelling due to fluid buildup in the soft tissues around the elbow.
Joint inflammation: Conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases can cause the joint to swell and feel warm.
Redness often accompanies swelling in these inflammatory conditions, indicating the body’s response to infection or a serious inflammatory process. Sometimes redness is accompanied by increased temperature in the elbow area, another sign of inflammation or infection.
Treatments and therapies for elbow pain
At our center, we specialize in providing high-quality treatments that help relieve elbow pain and restore optimal function. When it comes to treating elbow pain, physiotherapy and stretching exercises play a key role in the recovery process. Our team of experts uses the latest methods and techniques to help you eliminate pain and improve elbow mobility.
Physical Therapy: A Professional Approach for Effective Recovery
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves that penetrate deep into the tissues, reducing pain and stimulating the regeneration of damaged structures in the elbow. This therapy helps decrease inflammation and accelerates recovery. It is effective for chronic pain conditions such as tendinitis and calcific tendinopathy.
Ultrasound therapy utilizes high-frequency sound waves to improve circulation and reduce elbow pain. It also enhances tissue elasticity and speeds up the healing process of injured ligaments and tendons. It is recommended for both acute and chronic elbow injuries.
Laser therapy applies low-level laser light that penetrates tissues, reducing inflammation and accelerating recovery. It helps alleviate pain, improves circulation, and stimulates regeneration of damaged cells in the elbow. This therapy is used for various conditions such as tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.
Electrotherapy uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles and nerves, reducing pain and improving elbow function. It enhances circulation, decreases muscle tension, and speeds up recovery from injuries. Electrotherapy is effective for conditions like epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
Magnetotherapy employs magnetic fields to improve circulation, reduce pain, and accelerate tissue regeneration in the elbow. It helps reduce inflammation and pain, making it useful for chronic injuries such as tendinitis. Additionally, it improves cellular metabolism and promotes healing.
Stretching Exercises: Enhancing Flexibility and Strength
One of the most important aspects of recovering from elbow pain is proper stretching and strengthening of the muscles and tendons that support the elbow. At our center, our physiotherapists will help you learn how to correctly perform stretching exercises that improve elbow flexibility and strength, reduce tension, and prevent future injuries. Some of the most common exercises we use include:
Dynamic stretching: Exercises that gradually stretch the muscles and tendons, increasing their flexibility. These exercises are especially beneficial for recovering from epicondylitis or bursitis.
Static stretching: Holding the arm in a stretched position for several seconds or minutes to achieve maximum muscle flexibility.
Tendon and muscle strengthening exercises: With an appropriate exercise regimen, it is possible to strengthen the muscles supporting the elbow, thereby reducing stress on the joint and increasing stability.
How can we help you?
Our team of experts at the Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco is dedicated to each patient individually, using specific treatments tailored to your condition and needs. Our goal is to help you eliminate pain, restore mobility, and live without discomfort. After a thorough assessment of your condition, our therapists will create a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of physiotherapy, stretching exercises, massage, and other therapies. Our approach is holistic, meaning we focus on your body’s overall health, not just the symptoms.
Additionally, during treatment, our therapists will teach you how to properly perform exercises and stretching techniques at home to achieve long-term results. If you are experiencing elbow pain, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Visit us at the Fizio and Estetik Center In Locco and let us help you on your path to recovery and renewed enjoyment of daily activities without pain.
Prevention of Elbow Pain
Maintaining Proper Posture and Movement Technique: Prevention Through Daily Habits
It is important to pay attention to proper posture and movement techniques to reduce pressure on the joints and prevent elbow problems. Many injuries, including elbow pain, can be caused by poor body positioning or incorrect movements during everyday activities.
Proper posture: Maintaining correct body alignment, whether sitting, standing, or walking, reduces unnecessary stress on the joints. When posture is correct, the body weight is evenly distributed, and joints, including the elbow, are not subjected to excessive strain.
Proper technique when lifting heavy objects: When lifting heavy items, it’s important to use the correct technique to avoid overloading the elbow. Instead of bending and stressing the elbows, use the strength of your legs and keep your arms in a neutral position.
Avoiding repetitive movements: If you engage in activities that require repetitive motions (such as tennis, golf, or computer work), take regular breaks and perform stretching exercises. This helps prevent strain and tightness in the muscles around the elbow.