Elbow Pain: Causes, Home Care, and Red Flags for Medical Evaluation

Common Causes

• Muscle strain (overuse)
• Tendinitis (tennis/golfer's elbow)
• Ligament sprain
• Fracture
• Dislocation
• Cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression)

Self-Care (RICE + NSAIDs)

• Rest, Ice 15–20 min, Compression, Elevation
• OTC ibuprofen/acetaminophen
• Physical therapy for strengthening

See a Doctor If:

• Severe/no improvement in weeks
• Swelling, deformity, bruising
• Numbness/tingling in forearm/hand
• Limited motion

Imaging (X-ray, MRI) may be needed.