Explore the Body
Choose an area to explore common reasons for pain or changes, related Sixpence topics and guidance on when to get medical help.
This tool cannot diagnose you.
Symptoms can have many causes. It provides general information and helps you choose an appropriate next step.
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Elbow
Elbow pain is often caused by overuse of the tendons around the joint, and usually improves with rest and gradual movement.
This information cannot tell you what is causing your symptoms. Different conditions can produce similar pain, swelling, weakness or altered sensation.
- Pain on the outside or the inside of the elbow.
- Pain when gripping, lifting or twisting.
- Stiffness or reduced movement.
- Swelling over the point of the elbow.
- Clicking or locking.
- Weakness.
- Tingling or numbness travelling towards the ring and little fingers.
- Redness, heat or a fever.
- A changed shape after an injury.
These are examples of things that can cause symptoms in this area. They are not a diagnosis, and the list is not complete.
- Tennis elbow.
- Golfer's elbow.
- Tendonitis.
- Bursitis.
- A sprain or strain.
- Osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis.
- Ulnar nerve irritation.
- Fracture.
- Dislocation.
- Joint infection.
A hot, swollen joint together with a fever or feeling generally unwell needs urgent medical advice — this can mean an infection in the joint.
Where there has not been a serious injury and none of the warning signs below apply, some people find it helps to consider:
- Temporarily reducing activities that make the symptoms worse.
- Avoiding heavy lifting or forceful gripping for a while.
- Keeping the area gently moving rather than holding it completely still for long periods.
- Using a wrapped cold pack for a short period after a minor recent injury.
- Removing rings, watches or bracelets if swelling begins.
- Asking a pharmacist about suitable pain relief or a supportive splint.
- Contacting a GP or NHS musculoskeletal service if symptoms persist, worsen or keep returning.
Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines are not suitable for everyone. A pharmacist or GP can advise on what is right for you.
A pharmacist can advise on simple pain relief and supports. Consider a GP, physiotherapist or NHS musculoskeletal service if:
- Symptoms are interfering with normal activities.
- Pain is getting worse or keeps coming back.
- Symptoms have not improved after about two weeks of appropriate self-care.
- Tingling, numbness or weakness continues.
- A joint repeatedly locks or gives way.
- A lump persists, grows or feels hard.
- Fingers are becoming bent or difficult to straighten.
- You have diabetes, a weakened immune system or another condition that increases the risk from hand problems or infection.
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice for:
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain.
- You cannot move the arm, wrist, hand or fingers.
- There was a snapping, grinding or popping sound during an injury.
- Major swelling or bruising.
- An arm or joint that has changed shape or colour.
- Numbness, tingling or loss of feeling that does not settle.
- A hand or arm that becomes unusually hot or cold.
- Unexplained sudden or painful swelling.
- Painful, hot or swollen skin.
- Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell alongside swelling or joint pain.
- A very painful, hot or red lump.
- A suspected fracture, dislocation or serious tendon injury.
You can call 111 or use 111 online.
Call 999 or go to A&E for:
- A bone visible through the skin.
- Uncontrollable or heavy bleeding.
- An arm or wrist at an obviously abnormal angle.
- A severe injury with numbness or loss of circulation.
- Sudden loss of power or feeling in an arm.
- Sudden arm pain with chest pressure, tightness, heaviness, sweating, breathlessness, nausea, or pain spreading to the jaw or back.
- Severe breathing difficulty alongside unexplained arm swelling.
Not every injury needs an ambulance. Many injuries are best assessed at an urgent treatment centre or minor injuries unit — NHS 111 can advise which is right.
Assessment may involve checking how the elbow bends, straightens and rotates, testing grip and sensation, and examining any swelling. Physiotherapy, exercises, medication, an X-ray or scan, an injection, or specialist referral may be suggested depending on the likely cause.
More generally, assessment may include the following. Not everyone will need these tests.
- Asking when the symptoms began and whether there was an injury.
- Checking movement, strength, sensation and circulation.
- Examining swelling, skin changes or lumps.
- An X-ray if a fracture is suspected.
- An ultrasound, nerve test or another scan where appropriate.
- Blood tests or fluid sampling when infection or inflammation is suspected.
- Referral to physiotherapy, a hand clinic, orthopaedics or another specialist when needed.