Pain in the elbow when straightening the arm can be caused by several common conditions. The most frequent causes include:
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Inflammation of the tendons on the outside of the elbow due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, causing pain when extending the arm.
- Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Similar to tennis elbow but affects the inside of the elbow, caused by repetitive wrist flexion or gripping, leading to pain inside the elbow that worsens with arm straightening.
- Elbow Bursitis: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs around the elbow causing pain and swelling.
- Biceps Tendinitis: Inflammation of the biceps tendon near the elbow, causing front elbow pain during arm movements.
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment: Compression of the ulnar nerve causing pain, numbness, or tingling that can worsen with bending or straightening the elbow.
- Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage in the elbow joint causing stiffness, pain, and difficulty moving the arm.
- Dislocation or Injury: If the elbow was recently injured, dislocation or ligament damage could cause pain when straightening the arm.
These conditions are often related to overuse, repetitive motions, or injury. The pain may be accompanied by tenderness, swelling, numbness, or restricted movement, depending on the cause. Identifying the exact cause usually involves considering symptoms' location, activity history, and sometimes clinical evaluation.
If the pain is persistent, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms like swelling or numbness, seeing a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment is advisable.
