Elbow Overuse Injuries
Common overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, develop from repeated strain on the tendons around the elbow.
Overuse injuries occur when repetitive motion places ongoing strain on the muscles and tendons around the elbow, leading to irritation and inflammation that builds slowly over time. Because there is often no single injury or sudden event, symptoms may develop gradually and can be easy to overlook in the early stages.
These conditions are especially common in athletes, manual laborers and active individuals whose activities involve frequent use of the arms and hands. With early recognition and appropriate treatment, most people are able to reduce symptoms, restore function and return to normal activity levels.
Elbow Overuse Injury Symptoms
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
- Dull, aching pain around the outside or inside of the elbow
- Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting or twisting
- Stiffness in the elbow or forearm
- Tenderness to touch over affected tendons
- Weak grip strength
- Symptoms that improve with rest but return with activity
- Gradual worsening of discomfort over time
Elbow Overuse Injury Risk Factors
Elbow overuse injuries can affect anyone, but certain factors may increase risk, including:
- Repetitive arm, wrist or hand movements
- Sports involving throwing, swinging or gripping (such as tennis, golf or baseball)
- Work that requires frequent lifting, typing or tool use
- Sudden increases in activity or training intensity
- Poor technique or improper equipment use
- Age-related tendon changes
Common Elbow Overuse Injuries
Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow)
Epicondylitis occurs when the tendons that attach to the elbow become irritated from repetitive use. It commonly causes pain on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer’s elbow) of the elbow, along with weakness and discomfort during gripping or lifting.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
Radial tunnel syndrome occurs when the radial nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the forearm near the elbow. This can cause aching pain in the outer forearm and elbow, along with weakness and discomfort with arm movement.
Prevention of Elbow Overuse Injuries
Many elbow overuse injuries can be prevented or minimized with proper training and activity modification:
- Use correct technique during sports and work activities
- Warm up before and stretch after activity
- Gradually increase intensity, duration and frequency of activity
- Use proper equipment and ergonomic positioning
- Cross train to reduce repetitive strain on the same muscles and tendons
- Take breaks during repetitive tasks
- Use ice after activity for early soreness or irritation
- Use anti-inflammatory medications as recommended by a provider
Treatment for Elbow Overuse Injuries
Treatment focuses on reducing stress on the affected tendons and allowing healing to occur. Depending on severity, treatment may include:
- Activity modification or temporary rest from aggravating movements
- Ice and anti-inflammatory medications
- Bracing or elbow support
- Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility and mechanics
- Gradual return to activity with guided progression
- Corticosteroid or other injections in select cases
If symptoms are not treated early, overuse injuries can progress and lead to more serious conditions such as chronic tendon degeneration or tearing.
Overuse Injury Quiz
If you’re dealing with elbow pain that just won’t go away, take this quick online quiz to see if it’s time to schedule a visit.
Meet Our Hand, Wrist and Elbow Team
As part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our hand, wrist and elbow team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating these conditions and injuries. Working closely with therapists and other specialists, they provide personalized care focused on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients get back to their daily activities.