Elbow Pain and Injury

A biceps tendon tear at the elbow is a serious injury that occurs when the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the forearm bone ruptures, often due to sudden force or heavy lifting. Unlike shoulder tears, elbow tears typically cause significant loss of strength—especially when bending the arm or rotating the forearm—and do not heal on their own.

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Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic pain condition that typically affects the arms, legs, hands, and feet. It can cause:

• intense burning pain (worse than expected for injury)
• sensitivity to touch
• abnormal sweating
• muscle and joint stiffness and weakness
• hypersensitivity to touch or cold temperatures
• inflammation

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may last several months or years if left untreated.

Treatment for CRPS is typically aimed at reducing pain and improving quality of life. This may involve taking medications to manage pain, undergoing physical therapy or occupational therapy to improve range of motion and strength, and engaging in relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation. In some cases, nerve blocks may be used to reduce burning sensations caused by the condition. Surgery may also be recommended for more severe cases.

It is important to treat CRPS as soon as possible to reduce the risk of further complications. Those who think they may be experiencing symptoms should speak with their healthcare team about an appropriate treatment plan. With proper management, it is possible to reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.

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Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the inside of the elbow, leading to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand—especially in the ring and little fingers. It is often caused by repetitive elbow bending, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or prior injuries.

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Elbow bursitis (olecranon bursitis) is a condition where the fluid-filled sac at the tip of the elbow becomes irritated and inflamed, leading to noticeable swelling—sometimes called “Popeye elbow.” It may be painless or cause discomfort, and symptoms like redness, warmth, and tenderness can indicate a possible infection.

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Elbow arthritis is a wear-and-tear condition that occurs when cartilage in the elbow joint breaks down over time, causing pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion. It can develop gradually due to aging, repetitive use or previous injuries, and may eventually impact daily activities.

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Elbow fractures and dislocations are serious injuries usually caused by trauma or a sports injury, such as falls or direct impact, that can disrupt normal arm movement. Fractures involve broken bones, while dislocations occur when the joint is forced out of alignment, and both can happen together.

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Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress on the tendons on the inside of the elbow, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness in the wrist and hand. It can affect anyone who performs repeated gripping or wrist motions, not just golfers.

Symptoms typically develop gradually and may worsen over time. Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and bracing, while surgery is rarely needed. With proper care and prevention strategies, most people can recover and return to normal activities.

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A distal humerus fracture is a break in the lower part of the upper arm bone near the elbow, often caused by trauma such as falls or direct impact. Because this area is critical for elbow movement, these fractures can significantly affect arm function, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes deformity.

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Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common overuse injury caused by repetitive arm motions that strain the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It leads to pain, tenderness, and weak grip strength, often affecting everyday activities. While commonly seen in athletes, it can impact anyone with repetitive arm use, especially adults ages 30–50.

Most cases improve with nonsurgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, medications, and bracing. Surgery is rarely needed and only considered for severe, persistent symptoms. With proper care, most people recover gradually over time and regain normal function.

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