Elbow and arm pain is not usually a sign of anything serious. If it does not go away after a few weeks, see a GP.
How you can ease elbow and arm pain yourself
Try these things for a couple of days:
- put a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your arm - do this for 5 minutes, 3 times a day
- take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- raise your arm if it's swollen
See a GP if:
- the pain does not go away after a few weeks
Get advice from 111 now if your arm:
- hurts when you exercise but the pain goes away when you rest
- is swollen and you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- is extremely painful and difficult to move
- tingles or feels numb
- has been injured and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
These can be signs of a heart problem (angina), an infection or a broken arm.
111 will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone.
Call 999 if:
- the pain has come on suddenly and your chest feels like it's being squeezes
These could be a sign of a heart attack
Causes of elbow and arm pain
Apart from an injury, these things can cause arm pain.
Don't self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.
Main symptom
Pain, stiffness, difficulty moving, swelling
Possible cause
tendonitis, for example tennis elbow
Main symptom
Pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling
Possible cause
sprains and strains
Main symptom
Pain, stiffness coming down from the shoulder
Possible cause
frozen shoulder
Main symptom
Pain and stiffness in the joints
Possible cause
arthritis
Main symptom
Temperature of 38C or above, feeling shivery, skin broken around the shoulder
Possible Cause
inflamed shoulder (bursitis)