Elbow pain

The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. Various structures in and around the elbow work together so the joint can move properly. Elbow pain - sometimes combined with limited movement - can arise acutely or develop over a longer period.

Anatomy of the elbow

Three bones meet in the elbow to form the elbow joint. These are the upper arm (humerus), the radius, and the ulna. The bones in the joint are held in place by the joint capsule and ligaments. Around the elbow, many muscles attach via tendon tissue to enable the movements of the elbow.

Bursae ensure that tissues can glide well over one another during movement. A bursa is a kind of smooth, slippery cushion. At the back of the elbow is a bursa that we call the bursa olecrani.

Nerves and blood vessels run along the elbow. The nerves ensure that signals to and from different parts of the arm are transmitted. This allows us to control muscles and perceive pain. The blood vessels transport blood so the entire arm and hand are supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

Check your elbow symptoms

To get a good picture of the cause of pain in the elbow, we advise you to take the online physical therapy check. By indicating where you have pain and then answering the questions, your elbow pain is compared with the most common conditions within physical therapy. You can consult a physical therapist near you for professional advice.

Elbow conditions

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause elbow pain. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause, and possible treatment. When you take the online physical therapy check, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.