Elbow pain is common in working-age adults, and most of it comes from the tendons, nerves and soft tissues around the joint rather than the joint itself. Tendon problems on the outer or inner side of the elbow are the most frequent causes, and many settle over months with sensible load management and exercise. A smaller number of problems, such as a hot, swollen elbow or a sudden tendon tear, need prompt medical assessment.
Common elbow conditions
Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) (lateral epicondylitis, lateral epicondylalgia)
Tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by an irritated, overloaded tendon where the forearm muscles attach to the bone.
Read more→Golfer's elbow (medial elbow tendinopathy) (medial epicondylitis, medial epicondylalgia)
Golfer's elbow is pain on the inner side of the elbow caused by an overloaded tendon where the muscles that bend the wrist and turn the forearm attach to the bone.
Read more→Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) (student's elbow, miner's elbow)
Elbow bursitis is swelling of the small fluid-filled sac (bursa) that sits over the bony tip of the elbow.
Read more→Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve at the elbow) (ulnar neuropathy at the elbow, ulnar nerve entrapment)
Cubital tunnel syndrome is irritation or squeezing of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow, the spot often called the funny bone.
Read more→Distal biceps tendinopathy and tears (distal biceps rupture, biceps tendon tear at the elbow)
Distal biceps tendinopathy is pain and irritation of the biceps tendon where it attaches just below the front of the elbow.
Read more→
Getting the right help
Not sure which of these fits? Our team can assess what is going on, explain it clearly and point you to the right care, including referral back to your GP where that is the better route.
Other areas
- Head and jaw pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Upper back and chest wall pain
- Lower back pain
- Hip, groin and pelvic pain
- Knee pain
- Shin and calf pain
- Ankle and foot pain
- Pain in pregnancy and after birth
- Aches and pains in children and young people
This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are worried about your symptoms, speak to your GP or call NHS 111.
