Why Your Elbow Hurts When You Put Pressure on it

Your elbow may hurt when you put pressure on it. Here at Easy Orthopedics in Colorado Springs we frequently see those with elbow pain.

Elbow pain when you put pressure on it is a common issue, and there are several potential causes. These causes often involve inflammation or irritation of the structures around the elbow joint, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, or the joint itself. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

• What happens: Tennis elbow is caused by overuse or repetitive motion of the forearm muscles and tendons, especially those that extend the wrist and fingers.
• Why it hurts: The tendon that attaches to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow) becomes irritated or damaged, causing pain when pressure is applied, particularly during gripping or pushing motions.
• Symptoms: Pain on the outer part of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and discomfort when pushing or lifting objects.

2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

• What happens: This condition involves the inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive motions like gripping, lifting, or twisting.
• Why it hurts: Overuse of the muscles that control wrist flexion and forearm rotation leads to strain on the medial epicondyle, causing pain when pressure is applied, such as when resting the elbow on a hard surface.
• Symptoms: Pain on the inner side of the elbow, especially when gripping objects or flexing the wrist.

3. Bursitis (Olecranon Bursitis)

• What happens: The bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that cushions the elbow, can become inflamed due to repetitive pressure or injury. This condition is often called “student’s elbow.”
• Why it hurts: When you put pressure on the elbow, especially on the back of the joint (the olecranon area), the inflamed bursa can cause significant pain.
• Symptoms: Swelling at the back of the elbow, pain when pressing on the elbow, and tenderness around the joint.

4. Ulnar Nerve Compression (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

• What happens: The ulnar nerve runs along the inside of the elbow. Prolonged pressure on the elbow (such as leaning on it for extended periods) can compress the ulnar nerve.
• Why it hurts: Compression of the ulnar nerve can cause pain, tingling, or numbness along the elbow, forearm, and even down to the hand, especially when you apply pressure.
• Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, or a “funny bone” sensation in the ring and little fingers, weakness in the hand, and pain when resting on the elbow.

5. Fractures or Bone Injury

• What happens: A fracture or injury to the bones in the elbow joint, such as the humerus, radius, or ulna, can cause pain when pressure is applied.
• Why it hurts: The bones may be cracked or damaged, and any force or pressure on the joint can exacerbate the pain.
• Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the elbow.

6. Arthritis (Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis)

• What happens: Arthritis in the elbow can result from wear-and-tear (osteoarthritis) or autoimmune processes (rheumatoid arthritis), leading to inflammation in the joint.
• Why it hurts: Pressure on the joint, especially when performing activities that involve bending or straightening the elbow, can trigger pain and stiffness.
• Symptoms: Joint stiffness, swelling, pain during movement or pressure, and limited range of motion.

How do I know if my elbow pain is serious?

Elbow pain can range from mild to severe, and while most cases are not serious, it’s important to be able to recognize signs that may indicate a more serious issue. Here are some indicators that your elbow pain might be serious and require medical attention:

1. Severe or Sharp Pain

• What to watch for: If the pain is sudden, severe, or sharp, especially after an injury or trauma (like a fall, accident, or sports injury), this could indicate a fracture, dislocation, or significant tendon or ligament damage.
• Why it’s serious: Intense pain, particularly after an injury, suggests that the injury might involve the bone or joint, and immediate medical evaluation is needed.

2. Swelling and Bruising

• What to watch for: Significant swelling or visible bruising around the elbow can indicate a serious injury, such as a fracture or severe tendon injury.
• Why it’s serious: Swelling and bruising often occur with fractures, tears, or significant soft tissue injury and can affect blood circulation or lead to further complications.

3. Inability to Move the Elbow

• What to watch for: If you cannot move the elbow joint (either to bend or straighten your arm), or experience a locked elbow, it may indicate a structural problem like a fracture, ligament tear, or severe inflammation.
• Why it’s serious: Loss of function or extreme stiffness may require immediate intervention to prevent long-term damage.

4. Numbness, Tingling, or Weakness

• What to watch for: Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the elbow, forearm, hand, or fingers could indicate nerve compression (such as ulnar nerve entrapment or cubital tunnel syndrome) or a serious underlying condition.
• Why it’s serious: Nerve involvement suggests that the condition may be affecting the nervous system, potentially leading to long-term damage if untreated.

5. Fever and Redness

• What to watch for: If the elbow is swollen, red, and warm to the touch, especially if you also have a fever, it could indicate an infection (such as septic arthritis or a bacterial infection in the bursa or joint).
• Why it’s serious: Infections can spread and cause significant damage if not treated promptly with antibiotics or other medical interventions.

6. No Improvement or Worsening Pain

• What to watch for: If the pain persists for more than a few days despite rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications, or if the pain worsens over time, it may indicate a more serious condition such as a tear, arthritis, or chronic inflammation.
• Why it’s serious: Prolonged or worsening pain often signals that the underlying issue is not improving or that a more complex condition exists, requiring professional evaluation.

7. Limited Range of Motion

• What to watch for: If your range of motion is significantly reduced (e.g., you cannot fully straighten or bend your arm), or if movement causes sharp pain, this could point to tendon, ligament, or joint issues.
• Why it’s serious: Loss of motion is often associated with joint damage or severe soft tissue injury and may require interventions like physical therapy, injections, or surgery.

8. Chronic Pain

• What to watch for: If your elbow pain has been ongoing for weeks or months (especially with repetitive use or overuse), it may indicate a chronic condition like tendonitis, bursitis, or arthritis.
• Why it’s serious: Chronic pain that doesn’t resolve with rest and conservative treatments may require more advanced treatment, including physical therapy, injections, or possibly surgery.

9. Deformity or Visible Dislocation

• What to watch for: If your elbow appears deformed, out of alignment, or you notice a visible dislocation after an injury, immediate medical attention is required.
• Why it’s serious: Dislocations or joint misalignments can cause permanent damage to ligaments, tendons, and bones if not corrected promptly.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience any of the following, you should seek medical care immediately:

• Severe pain after an injury.
• Inability to move the elbow joint or straighten the arm.
• Visible deformity or dislocation.
• Signs of infection (redness, warmth, fever).
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand.
• Persistent or worsening pain after a few days of self-care.

How a Doctor Will Diagnose the Problem

• Physical exam: Your doctor will assess your elbow’s range of motion, strength, and any visible signs of injury or inflammation.
• Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be used to check for fractures, dislocations, or soft tissue injuries.
• Blood tests: In case of infection or inflammatory conditions like arthritis, your doctor might take blood tests to check for infection or underlying disease.

 

How do I know if I have elbow bursitis?

Elbow bursitis, also known as olecranon bursitis, is an inflammation of the bursa at the tip of your elbow (the olecranon bursa). This condition can result from trauma, overuse, or infection. Here are the common signs and symptoms to help you determine if you have elbow bursitis:

1. Swelling at the Back of the Elbow

• What to look for: The most obvious sign of bursitis is swelling at the back of your elbow, where the bursa is located. The area may feel soft or fluid-filled, and the swelling can vary from mild to significant.
• Why it happens: Inflammation of the bursa causes it to fill with fluid, leading to visible swelling. This swelling is often noticeable when your elbow is bent or in a resting position.

2. Pain and Tenderness

• What to look for: The swollen area is usually tender to the touch, and applying pressure or leaning on the elbow may cause pain. The pain can range from mild discomfort to more severe pain, especially if the bursitis is caused by an infection.
• Why it happens: Inflammation in the bursa or irritation from repetitive pressure causes pain. If there’s an infection (septic bursitis), the pain will be more intense.

3. Redness and Warmth

• What to look for: In some cases, the skin over the elbow may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
• Why it happens: Redness and warmth are common signs of inflammation, and in cases of septic bursitis, these signs are more pronounced due to infection.

4. Limited Range of Motion

• What to look for: If the swelling is significant or if the pain is severe, you may have difficulty fully extending or flexing your elbow. This can make it uncomfortable to perform normal movements or daily tasks.
• Why it happens: The swollen bursa can physically restrict the movement of the elbow joint, making it stiff and painful to move.

5. Recent Injury or Trauma

• What to look for: If you have recently injured your elbow (such as falling onto it, repeated leaning on it, or any other direct trauma), bursitis may develop as a result of the injury.
• Why it happens: Trauma to the elbow can irritate or damage the bursa, leading to inflammation. This is a common cause of traumatic bursitis.

6. Repetitive Pressure or Overuse

• What to look for: Activities that put consistent pressure on the elbow, like resting on hard surfaces or repetitive motions (e.g., frequent use of your arms for pushing, lifting, or leaning), can lead to bursitis.
• Why it happens: Chronic pressure or repetitive motion can irritate the bursa and cause it to become inflamed over time.

7. Infection Symptoms (in cases of septic bursitis)

• What to look for: If the bursa is infected (septic bursitis), symptoms can become more severe and include fever, severe pain, increased redness, and puss drainage from the swollen area.
• Why it happens: When the bursa becomes infected, the body’s immune system responds by causing fever and increased redness or warmth. Pus can drain from the bursa, indicating the infection has spread.

How to Confirm if You Have Elbow Bursitis

• Physical examination: A doctor will examine the elbow for swelling, tenderness, and warmth. They may press on the bursa to check for fluid buildup.
• Imaging: X-rays may be used to rule out fractures or other bone-related issues, but they typically won’t show bursitis itself. If the bursa has become infected, an ultrasound or MRI can help confirm the diagnosis.
• Aspiration: In some cases, a doctor may use a needle to drain fluid from the swollen bursa (aspiration) and test it for infection. This is especially important if septic bursitis is suspected.

Treatment for Elbow Bursitis

If you suspect you have elbow bursitis, here are common treatments to reduce symptoms:

1. Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the condition, such as leaning on the elbow or repetitive movements.
2. Ice therapy: Apply ice to the swollen elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
3. Compression: Use an elbow sleeve or wrap to help reduce swelling and provide support.
4. Elevate: Raise your elbow above your heart when possible to reduce swelling.
5. NSAIDs: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
6. Aspiration: If fluid builds up in the bursa, a doctor may use a needle to drain the fluid.
7. Antibiotics: If bursitis is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be necessary.
8. Surgery: In rare cases, when bursitis is chronic or caused by an infection that doesn’t respond to antibiotics, surgical removal of the bursa may be recommended.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any of the following, it’s important to see a healthcare provider:

• Severe or worsening pain.
• Visible redness or heat, especially with fever.
• Pus drainage from the elbow.
• Inability to move your elbow or loss of function.
• Swelling that doesn’t improve with home treatments.

I hope we were able to answer some of your questions about why your elbow may hurt if you put pressure on it. If you would like us to evaluate you, and are in the Colorado area, contact us below to make an appointment at Easy Orthopedics.