Pain in the elbow.

The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. Different structures in and around the elbow work together to ensure the joint moves properly. Pain in the elbow — sometimes accompanied by limited movement — can come on suddenly 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 are held in place within the joint by a joint capsule and ligaments. Around the elbow, many muscles are attached via tendons, allowing elbow movement.

Bursae ensure that tissue glides smoothly during movement. A bursa is a sort of smooth, slippery cushion. At the back of the elbow there is a bursa called the 'bursa olecrani'.

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

Check your elbow complaints

To get a good understanding of the cause of your elbow pain, we recommend doing the online physiotherapy check. By pointing out where you feel pain and subsequently answering the questions, your elbow pain is compared with the most common conditions within physiotherapy. You can visit a physiotherapist in your area for professional advice.

Elbow disorders

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause pain in the elbow. Each article provides detailed information about the symptoms, cause, and possible treatment. When you complete the online physiotherapy check, your complaints are compared with all these conditions.