Elbow pain or tenderness

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Elbow pain or tenderness

Rate your pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 indicating very little pain and 10 being the worst pain you have ever experienced. Then look below to find the appropriate term to apply to the level of severity of your pain.

1 to 5 = Mild pain
6 to 7 = Moderate pain
8 to 9 = Severe pain
10 = Worst pain possible

Pain from minor injuries is usually mild to moderate. The pain may gradually become more severe over time because of swelling and muscle spasms. "Spasm" pain can begin minutes to hours after an injury and usually gets better or goes away within 48 hours, but it can come and go.

You may have bumped your funny bone at the back of your elbow, causing shooting pain and numbness. The funny-bone sensation can be intense, but it is normal and will go away on its own.

Pain may also occur:

With an overuse injury, such as tendinopathy, bursitis, or muscle strain. Pain comes on gradually after repetition of the same activity. See signs of an elbow overuse problem.
After a sudden (acute) injury, such as a deep bruise (contusion), sprain, strain, fracture, or dislocated elbow. Pain is sudden and often severe. Bruising and swelling may develop within 30 minutes of the injury.
With a ruptured muscle or tendon.
With an infection at or near the injured area.

Other causes of elbow pain

Pain that is worse in the morning and improves during the day may be caused by osteoarthritis, which may develop from injury or simple wear and tear. Other types of arthritis can affect the elbow, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and lupus.
Occasionally elbow pain is caused by a pinched nerve or another problem elsewhere in the body, such as the heart. Numbness and tingling may also be present.
Any elbow injury in a child or vulnerable adult that cannot be adequately explained, does not match the explanation, or occurs repeatedly may be caused by abuse.

Credits

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Author	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Last Updated	April 3, 2007

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Last updated:	April 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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