Inner elbow pain when extending your arm can strike anyone at any time. Young athletes might notice it after a tennis match or baseball game. Office workers could develop discomfort from use at their computers. And certainly those with age-related joint changes might find themselves wincing when reaching for items on high shelves.
Elbow pain of any kind is a frustrating companion as you just try to live a normal life and keep doing the things you love. Fortunately, in most cases, this pain is treatable with a few intentional steps toward healing. And by working with a physical therapist, you can learn even more about what caused your specific pain so you don’t experience it in the future.
Causes of inner elbow pain
Several conditions can trigger pain in inner elbow areas, especially when extending your arm. Understanding these causes helps you make informed decisions about where to go for treatment.
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
Despite its nickname, golfer’s elbow affects far more than just golfers. This condition involves inflammation of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle—the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.
Pain in inner elbow from medial epicondylitis typically worsens when gripping, flexing your wrist, or extending the arm fully. You might notice discomfort when shaking hands, turning doorknobs, or lifting objects.
Common activities that contribute to your likelihood of developing golfer’s elbow include:
- Repetitive gripping motions
- Improper throwing techniques
- Computer mouse use with improper support
- Heavy lifting with poor form
Cubital tunnel syndrome
This condition occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed as it travels through the cubital tunnel on the inside of your elbow. It’s the same type of condition that more commonly affects the median nerve in the carpal tunnel, which lies in the wrist.
Symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome often include tingling in the ring and pinky fingers, weakness in grip strength, and aching pain that radiates from the inner elbow down to the hand.
Muscle strains and overuse
Overusing the muscles and tendons around your elbow can lead to microscopic tears and inflammation. This is particularly common among people who suddenly increase their activity level or perform repetitive motions without adequate time to rest and heal.
Construction workers, painters, and musicians frequently experience this type of inner elbow pain when extending arm movements are required repeatedly throughout the day.
Previous injuries
Elbow injuries from earlier in your life may have left scar tissue or caused joint stiffness that contributes to ongoing pain. Even minor injuries from years past might resurface as mobility decreases or activity patterns change.
Ways to treat elbow pain at home
Many cases of inner elbow pain respond well to conservative home treatment. While you won’t heal instantly by doing these things, they can help mitigate the symptoms you might be experiencing while your body recovers.
The RICE method
RICE is a tried-and-true self-care method that many people already use, even if they don’t know specifically what RICE stands for:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate your pain. This doesn’t mean complete inactivity, but rather modifying movements that cause discomfort.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily during the first 48-72 hours after pain begins. This helps reduce inflammation and numbs pain.
- Compression: A compression sleeve or elastic bandage can provide support and reduce swelling. Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this can impair circulation.
- Elevation: When possible, keep your elbow elevated above heart level to minimize swelling.
Activity modification
Take a break from repetitive activities that worsen your inner elbow pain when extending arm movements. Tennis players should consider lighter racquets or modified grips. Office workers might benefit from ergonomic adjustments or frequent breaks.
This doesn’t mean avoiding all activity—gentle range-of-motion exercises can actually promote healing by maintaining flexibility and circulation. There’s a fine line between these things, which is why we encourage people to talk to a physical therapist for the best advice about how to move without making an injury worse.
Gentle stretching
If you’re no longer experiencing sharp, acute pain, gentle stretching can help restore normal movement patterns. Again, over-stretching or sudden movements may do more harm than good, which is why seeking physical therapy is the safest way to help get your normal strength and range of motion back.
Over-the-counter pain relief
Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Follow package directions and consult with a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
Do I need to see a doctor for elbow pain?
While many cases of inner elbow pain improve with home treatment, certain situations warrant professional evaluation. Consider seeing a doctor or physical therapist if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers
- Weakness in your grip or difficulty with fine motor tasks
- Pain that persists for more than a few weeks
- Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or fever
Physical therapy appointments are often easier to schedule than visits with primary care physicians or medical specialists, making PT an excellent first step for many types of elbow pain.
Physical therapists can assess your pain and other symptoms and develop a personalized treatment program that you can get started with right away. Sometimes, we even spot issues that might not be apparent to you, such as shoulder blade weakness that’s contributing to increased elbow stress or poor posture that affects the way your arms move.
Early intervention with physical therapy frequently prevents minor issues from becoming chronic problems that require more intensive treatment.
Physical therapy for all forms of elbow pain
Inner elbow pain when extending your arm doesn’t have to limit your daily activities or favorite sports. Whether you’re dealing with a recent onset of discomfort or chronic issues that have persisted for months, professional help is available.
Take action today by calling a nearby Excel Rehab & Sports clinic or by requesting an appointment online today. Our team will get you scheduled as soon as possible so you can get back to normal.