Elbow and arm pain
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
Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:
- elbow or arm pain does not go away after a few weeks
Urgent advice: Get help from NHS 111 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 an urgent treatment centre or A&E if:
- you have severe pain in your arm and it's difficult to move
- you've injured your arm and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
- your arm tingles or feels numb
Immediate action required: 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.
| Main symptoms | Possible cause |
|---|---|
|
Pain on the outside of the elbow, difficulty to fully extend the arm |
|
|
Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty moving the affected area |
|
|
Pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling |
|
|
Pain, stiffness coming down from the shoulder |
|
|
Pain and stiffness in the joints |
|
|
Swelling around a joint, a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery |
Joint infection (septic arthritis) |
Self-refer for treatment
If you have elbow or arm pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.
To find out if there are any services in your area:
- ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
- check your GP surgery's website
- contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
- search online for NHS treatment for elbow or arm pain near you
Page last reviewed: 26 January 2024
Next review due: 26 January 2027