7 causes of elbow pain when bending and straightening

Your elbow is involved with almost every movement you make with your arm. So, when it hurts to bend and straighten your arm, simple tasks like opening and closing a door can become much more challenging. If you’re experiencing elbow pain, facing these difficulties doesn’t have to become your new normal. Fortunately, physical therapy may be able to help. 

At KC Rehab, our licensed physical therapists can evaluate your elbow and develop a customized treatment plan to help relieve pain and increase your range of motion, making your day-to-day tasks easier.

Let’s explore seven causes of elbow pain, so you can better understand what may be causing your symptoms.

7 causes of elbow pain when bending and straightening

Many culprits could be behind your elbow pain. When a physical therapist evaluates your elbow, they can determine the underlying cause and create a treatment plan tailored to you. Manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and modalities like ice, heat or bracing may make a difference. These treatments may decrease inflammation, reduce pain and enhance mobility. Your physical therapist can determine which techniques may be the safest and most effective for your condition.

Here are seven common causes of elbow pain when bending and straightening:

1. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

Tennis elbow is inflammation of tendons in the elbow, and is a common condition. 

About 2% of the population has this condition. Common causes include overuse and repetitive motions. Despite its name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to develop this condition.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain outside the elbow that radiates down to the wrist

• Stiffness in the elbow joint

• Pain triggered by gripping, twisting or lifting 

• Burning sensation in the elbow and forearm

2. Bursitis

Bursitis is the painful swelling and inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac in the joints, including at the tip of your elbow. This condition can result from a direct impact to the elbow, infection or repetitive pressure that irritates the bursa. 

Symptoms may include:

• Swelling, pain, tenderness and stiffness of the elbow

• Warmth and redness if the bursa is infected

• Pain when you move your elbow

3. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis that can affect the elbow. With this condition, the cartilage in the elbow joint wears down over time. Aging, repeated stress on the elbow, and prior injuries may contribute to osteoarthritis. 

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp or aching pain in the elbow

• Swelling and weakness

• Reduced range of motion

• Locking or stiffness that makes it difficult to move your arm

• Grating sensations when moving the elbow

4. Cubital tunnel syndrome (nerve irritation)

Nerve irritation occurs when the ulnar nerve gets irritated or compressed inside your elbow. Repetitive elbow bending, injuries or medical conditions like diabetes may contribute to cubital tunnel syndrome.

Symptoms may include:

• Aching or tenderness inside of the elbow

• Numbness or tingling that worsens at night

• Weakness and reduced grip strength

• Cold sensitivity in the affected arm

5. Fracture 

A fracture of the elbow is a break in at least one of the bones that form the elbow joint. Fractures can range in severity from a hairline crack to a full break. They are often caused by a fall, direct blow or twist that forces the elbow beyond its normal range of motion.

Symptoms may include:

• Severe elbow pain that worsens with movement

• Swelling, bruising and tenderness

• Reduced mobility and stiffness

• Numbness, tingling or cold sensations in the fingers, hand or forearm

6. Sprain

A sprain is a type of soft tissue injury that may occur when the ligaments are stretched or torn. A fall, sudden twist, hard impact or overuse can result in an elbow sprain.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain in the elbow that worsens with movement

• Swelling, bruising or redness around the elbow

• Loose or unstable feeling in the elbow joint

• Limited ability to bend and straighten the elbow

• Popping sound at the time of the injury

7. Osteochondritis dissecans

Osteochondritis dissecans is a condition in which part of the bone and cartilage separate due to lack of blood supply. Repetitive motions, overuse and high-impact activities like gymnastics may contribute to this condition. Genetics and underlying bone abnormalities may also increase the risk of developing osteochondritis dissecans.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Swelling, stiffness and weakness

• “Catching” or locking of the elbow joint

KC Rehab can help relieve your elbow pain

If bending and straightening your arm has become painful, a physical therapist may be able to help you. Since elbow pain has many potential causes, your first step is an evaluation. Your physical therapist can identify the root cause and customize a treatment plan that may help you relieve pain, improve your range of motion and do your daily activities with greater ease. 

At KC Rehab, our licensed physical therapists are here to support you. No matter what the cause of your elbow pain is, we’re here to help you move more comfortably and confidently again.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.