Elbow Pain




Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly called “tennis elbow,” is an overuse injury of the extensor muscles and tendons in your forearm. Overuse can cause microtears within the soft tissue causing the hallmark pain on the lateral (outside) aspect of the elbow. Occupations that can contribute to this condition include carpenters, plumbers, and painters. It usually occurs in your dominant arm.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain or burning sensation on the outside (lateral) elbow when extending at wrist
  • Tenderness on the outside of the elbow
  • Weakened grip
  • Trouble holding a coffee cup or gallon of milk
  • Problems opening doors/turning handles

Common Treatments:

  • Anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen, Aleve) and/or Tylenol
  • Rest
  • Bracing (forearm strap, also known as a counter force brace)
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgical correction
  Please use the following link to learn more about tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/ Please use the following link to learn more about tennis elbow exercises. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/epicondylitis-therapeutic-exercise-program/      

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Medial epicondylitis, commonly called “golfer’s elbow,” is an overuse injury of the flexor muscles and tendons in your forearm. Such overuse can cause microtears within the soft tissue, causing the hallmark pain on the medial (inside) aspect of the elbow when performing activities such as golfing or forehand swinging motion.

Common Symptoms:

  • Pain or burning sensation on the medial (inside) elbow when flexing at wrist
  • Tenderness on the inside of the elbow
  • Weakened grip

Common Treatments:

  • Anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen, Aleve) and/or Tylenol
  • Rest
  • Brace
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Physical therapy
  • Surgical correction
  Please use the following link to learn more about golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/ Please use the following link to learn more about golfer’s elbow exercises. Consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/epicondylitis-therapeutic-exercise-program/    

Elbow Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)

Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, occurs when the olecranon bursa, a thin, fluid-filled sac that is located over the bony tip of the elbow, becomes inflamed and is painful. The bursa contains fluid that allows the soft tissues to move freely over the underlying bone. Bursitis can result after trauma to the elbow, prolonged pressure on the elbow, infection, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and it can occur spontaneously.

Common Symptoms:

  • Tenderness over the tip of the elbow
  • Swelling and pain
  • Skin is red and warm to touch
  • Enlarged bursa
  • Fever if it is infected

Common Treatments:

  • Aspiration of the fluid from the bursa
  • Antibiotics if infection is suspected
  • Anti-inflammatories (Ibuprofen, Aleve) and/or Tylenol
  • Steroid injection
  • Elbow pads
  • Activity modification
  Please use the following link to learn more about olecranon bursitis. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/elbow-olecranon-bursitis/