Elbow pain is likely to result from either an injury or a deterioration in the joint’s tissues. Another frequent cause of elbow pain and weakness is cubital tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the ulnar nerve in your elbow comes under pressure.
Osteoarthritis is the primary cause of arthritic elbow pain. It sets in after years of activity, leading to the wearing away of the protective articular cartilage on the bones in your joints, causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain.
Acute injuries are the likeliest cause of sudden elbow pain. It’s not uncommon to bang your elbow or overstress the joint when you’re working or playing sports. A UCL (ulnar collateral ligament) tear is a type of acute elbow injury.
Elbow pain that comes on more slowly could be due to repetitive strain or overuse. This strain triggers inflammation in your soft tissues, causing tendinitis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).
