Elbow pain can be frustrating, whether it’s the lingering result of an injury, discomfort that seemed to arise out of nowhere, or pain that worsens with daily movements.
Why does my elbow hurt when straightening it?
If you’re asking the internet why your elbow hurts, you’re probably trying to decide whether to see a doctor or wait to see if it gets better on its own. But not everyone knows there’s a third option between “wait and see” and making an appointment with your primary care provider – if you have one. You can see a physical therapist, often quickly, for a diagnosis and treatment plan.
We understand that making an appointment somewhere you’ve never been can be a hurdle to getting the care you truly deserve, so we’ll provide some basic information about different causes of elbow pain so you might have a better idea how to make the best decisions for your care.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two types of arthritis that could be to blame for your elbow pain. Both conditions can cause inflammation and joint discomfort, though they have different underlying causes.
- Osteoarthritis occurs when your joints wear down over time. This degeneration of cartilage, bone tissue, and lubricating fats within the affected joint can lead to stiffness and pain, especially when straightening your arm or after repetitive use.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the joints. It often results in swelling, pain, and restricted movement, often affecting both elbows simultaneously.
Contrary to what you might think, arthritis can affect people at any age, and even has a specialized diagnosis for those under 16 called juvenile arthritis.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis occurs when the tendons around the elbow become inflamed, often as a result of overuse. Specific types of tendonitis in the elbow include:
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outer part of the elbow caused by repetitive motions, such as gripping or twisting.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inner part of the elbow, commonly brought on by repetitive wrist and forearm motions.
If your elbow hurts when you straighten your arm after an activity, tendonitis could be the culprit. Rest, ice, and physical therapy are often recommended, with recovery tailored to your specific needs and/or sport.
Bursitis
Elbow bursitis occurs when the olecranon bursa, a small fluid-filled sac near the tip of your elbow, becomes inflamed. This condition often results from repetitive pressure on the elbow or injury such as hitting your elbow on a hard surface.
Symptoms typically include swelling and redness at the tip of the elbow. While bursitis often improves with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory measures, severe or persistent cases may require drainage or other medical interventions.
Repetitive stress injury
Many jobs or hobbies involve repetitive motions that can strain the elbow joint over time, leading to a repetitive stress injury. Activities like typing for hours, heavy lifting, or playing instruments can contribute to this type of discomfort.
Symptoms often include reduced range of motion, pain throughout your range of motion, and sometimes tingling or numbness in the forearm. Rest, ergonomic adjustments, and physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms.
Treating elbow pain when bending your arm
Because no two people are alike, no two treatment plans at Alves are exactly the same. We personalize the treatment for your elbow based on the specific underlying cause in addition to your lifestyle and goals from treatment.
In general, your path to recovery may involve:
- Therapeutic exercises: Strengthening and stretching exercises aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility.
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to enhance joint and soft tissue mobility.
- Activity modifications: Adjustments to your routine (temporary or long-term) to minimize strain on the elbow joint.
- Pain management techniques: Including ice, heat, or other modalities to alleviate discomfort without needing medication.
Our Physical Therapists can assess your symptoms and guide you toward less pain and improved function. Whether your goal is to return to sports, comfortably get through your workday, or simply move without pain, a tailored plan can make all the difference.
Take the first step toward less pain today
If pain when bending or straightening your elbow is holding you back, don’t wait another day to seek relief. Our team makes it easy to schedule your first appointment online or by phone, and there’s no commitment to coming back for a full treatment plan until after your evaluation. Feel free to ask us any questions you may have by calling the clinic closest to you or requesting an appointment online today. Getting your normal life and routine back is worth the effort.
