What Causes Elbow Pain, When To See a Doctor, and More

Are you experiencing persistent elbow pain but finding no relief with typical “tennis elbow” remedies? Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is frequently blamed for elbow discomfort, even if you don’t play tennis. However, many conditions mimic tennis elbow symptoms. You could be experiencing elbow pain, but not tennis elbow, especially if treatment isn’t helping. It’s critical to understand the cause of your pain so you can find relief. NC Specialty Hospital explains what you need to know about the causes of elbow pain and when to see an elbow pain specialist.

What Causes Elbow Pain If It’s Not Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow Defined

Tennis elbow is a condition resulting from inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow, where pain is felt. It’s often seen in individuals whose activities require repetitive motion of the wrist or arm, such as tennis, as its name suggests.

Tennis Elbow Misconception

Despite its name, this condition can affect anyone who repeatedly puts stress on the elbow tendons, causing elbow pain from overuse. But it is far from the only cause of elbow pain.

9 Other Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Aside from tennis elbow, several other conditions could be causing your discomfort, including many causes of elbow pain without injury:

1. Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: Unlike tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inner side of the elbow, causing inner elbow tenderness. Like its counterpart, it’s a result of overuse and stresses the tendons, causing pain and inflammation.
2. Biceps Tendonitis Elbow: This condition is the result of inflammation of the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the bones in the elbow. Pain is typically felt in the front of the elbow.
3. Elbow Bursitis: This condition involves inflammation of the bursa, a small sac of fluid that cushions the elbow, leading to swelling and pain.
4. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed, leading to numbness, tingling, or pain in the elbow and forearm.
5. Fractures or Sprains: Traumatic injuries from accidents or falls can cause fractures or sprains in the elbow, resulting in significant pain and limited mobility.
6. Arthritis: Conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint inflammation and pain around the elbow.
7. Pinched Nerve in the Neck (Cervical Radiculopathy): A nerve impingement in the neck (often from a herniated disc or spinal degeneration) can cause referred pain down the arm and into the elbow.
8. Referred Pain from Shoulder or Wrist Conditions: Pain from rotator cuff issues or wrist instability can be felt in the elbow. If the source isn’t localized correctly, it might be misattributed to tennis elbow.
9. Systemic Conditions (e.g., Gout, Lupus, Lyme Disease): Certain medical conditions cause joint pain—including at the elbow—even without trauma. Gout, for example, can deposit uric acid crystals in joints, mimicking inflammatory disorders.

Understanding the diversity of potential causes highlights the importance of not self-diagnosing but seeking professional advice for tailored treatment.

Can Tennis Elbow Cause Numbness in Fingers or Cause a Stiff Elbow Joint?

No, tennis elbow does not cause numbness in fingers. However, elbow pain can cause a weak grip. Additionally, tennis elbow can sometimes lead to a feeling of stiffness in the elbow; however, it doesn’t typically cause true joint stiffness, which is characterized by a limited range of motion due to joint damage or inflammation.

When To Seek Medical Advice

When first experiencing pain, you may be advised to pursue:

• Rest and Modifications: Allow the tendon to rest and avoid activities that exacerbate pain.

• Physical Therapy: A therapist can guide you through exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve flexibility, helping to reduce the strain on the tendon.

• Anti-Inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce swelling.

• Cold Therapy: Applying ice packs to the elbow can provide relief by minimizing inflammation and numbing the pain.

If pain persists despite home treatments, or if you experience significant weakness or a noticeable bulge in the upper arm (a sign of a tendon tear), it’s critical to talk to an NC Specialty Hospital hand, wrist, and elbow specialist.

Other symptoms requiring expert evaluation include:

• Noticeable deformity in the elbow.

• Inability to carry objects or use your arm.

• Pain that occurs even when the arm is not in use.

• Elbow pain at night or while resting.

Our orthopedic specialists will conduct a comprehensive assessment to identify the root cause of your pain and determine whether it’s caused by tennis elbow or another condition. Once the cause is determined, they’ll provide a personalized treatment plan.

Say Goodbye to Elbow Pain at NC Specialty Hospital

While tennis elbow is a well-known cause of elbow pain, you can see that it’s not the only one. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, it’s essential that you don’t self-diagnose what’s causing your elbow pain in order to get the correct treatment and pain relief.

At NC Specialty Hospital, we provide specialized orthopedic care for a wide range of elbow conditions, enabling patients to achieve improved outcomes and healthier lives. So don’t let elbow pain sideline you any longer. Schedule a visit with us today.