Is Elbow Pain Dangerous?
Elbow pain usually isn't serious, but because you use your elbow in so many ways, elbow pain can be very frustrating.
Your elbow is a complex joint; it allows you to both extend and flex, as well as rotate your hand and forearm. Since most movements are a combination of these actions, you may sometimes find it difficult to describe exactly which movement brings on the pain.
Causes
Elbow pain is often caused by overuse. Many sports, hobbies and jobs require repetitive hand, wrist or arm movements.
Common causes of elbow pain include:
- Broken arm
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Dislocated elbow
- Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
- Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
- Sprains
- Stress fractures
- Tendinitis
- Trapped nerves
When to see a doctor
Seek emergency care if you have:
- An obvious deformity in your elbow
- A protruding bone
Call your doctor right away if you have:
- Severe pain, swelling and bruising around the joint
- Trouble moving your elbow normally
Schedule an office visit if you have:
- Elbow pain that doesn't improve after home care
- Pain that occurs even when you're not using your arm
- Increasing redness, swelling or pain in the injured area
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/elbow-pain/basics/definition/sym-20050874
