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
To ease elbow and arm pain, try these things for a couple of days:
- put a heat pack or a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your arm - do this for 10 to 15 minutes, every few hours
- take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
- raise your arm if it's swollen
See a GP if:
- elbow or arm pain does not go away after a few weeks
Get advice from NHS 111 Wales 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
Go to A&E if:
- you have severe pain in your arm and it's difficult to move
- tingles or feels numb
- you've injured your arm and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
- your arm tingles or feels numb
Call 999 if:
- arm pain has come on suddenly and it occurs with pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest
This could be a sign of a heart attack
Causes of elbow and arm pain
Apart from an injury, these things can cause arm and elbow pain.
Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.
Common causes of elbow and arm pain
Main symptoms: pain on the outside of the elbow, difficulty to fully extend the arm. Possible cause: tennis elbow
Main symptoms: joint pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty moving the affected area. Possible cause: tendonitis or bursitis
Main symptoms: pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling. Possible cause: sprains and strains
Main symptoms: pain, stiffness coming down from the shoulder. Possible cause: frozen shoulder
Main symptoms: pain and stiffness in the joints. Possible cause: arthritis
Main symptoms: swelling around a joint, a high temperature or feeling hot and shiver. Possible Cause: joint infection (septic arthritis)