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 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
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
- 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.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
Immediate action required: Call 999 if:
- arm pain has come on suddenly and your chest feels like it's being squeezed
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 |
|---|---|
|
Main symptoms
Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, difficulty moving the affected area |
Possible cause |
|
Main symptoms
Pain, tenderness, bruising, swelling |
Possible cause |
|
Main symptoms
Pain, stiffness coming down from the shoulder |
Possible cause |
|
Main symptoms
Pain and stiffness in the joints |
Possible cause |
|
Main symptoms
Swelling around a joint, a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery |
Possible cause
Joint infection (septic arthritis) |
Page last reviewed: 1 February 2021
Next review due: 1 February 2024