An Expert Orthopaedic Guide by Dr. Vishal Sahni, Nagpur
Pain in the elbow while bending or straightening the arm is a very common problem, yet many people tend to ignore it until daily activities become difficult. Simple actions like lifting a cup of tea, using a mobile phone, driving, typing on a laptop, or even combing hair can start causing discomfort.
If you are experiencing elbow pain when bending or straightening your arm, it is your body’s way of signalling that something inside the joint, muscles, tendons, or nerves is not functioning normally.
This detailed guide is written to help you understand why elbow pain happens, what conditions commonly cause it, how it is diagnosed, and what modern orthopaedic treatment options are available — all explained in a simple, clear, and patient-friendly manner.
This article is prepared under the expert guidance of
Dr. Vishal Sahni
MBBS, MS Ortho, FRCS Ortho (London), MCh Ortho (Liverpool)
Senior Orthopedic Surgeon
London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur
Specialist in Shoulder, Elbow & Wrist Treatments
Understanding the Elbow Joint
The elbow is not a simple hinge. It is a complex joint formed by three bones — the arm bone and two forearm bones — supported by ligaments, muscles, tendons, cartilage, and nerves.
This joint allows:
- Bending and straightening of the arm
- Rotational movements of the forearm
- Strength for lifting, pushing, pulling, and gripping
Because the elbow is involved in almost every upper-limb movement, it is vulnerable to overuse, strain, and injury.
When pain occurs during bending or straightening, it usually means that one or more internal structures are irritated, inflamed, compressed, or injured.
Common Reasons Why Elbow Pain Occurs During Movement
Overuse and Repetitive Strain
One of the most frequent causes of elbow pain is repetitive use. Activities that require repeated gripping, twisting, or lifting place continuous stress on elbow tendons.
This is commonly seen in:
- Office workers and computer users
- Factory and industrial workers
- Electricians, plumbers, carpenters
- Homemakers
- Sports players
- Gym and weight-training enthusiasts
Over time, small microscopic damage accumulates, leading to pain when bending or straightening the elbow.
Tendon Inflammation Around the Elbow
Tendons connect muscles to bones. When these tendons are overloaded or strained, inflammation develops, causing pain during movement.
Pain may feel:
- Sharp while moving
- Dull and aching after activity
- Worse with gripping or lifting
This type of elbow pain gradually increases if not treated early.
Tennis Elbow – Pain on the Outer Side
Tennis elbow is a very common condition even in people who have never played tennis.
It causes:
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Discomfort when straightening the arm
- Pain while holding objects or shaking hands
It usually develops due to repetitive wrist and arm movements, especially in people using tools, keyboards, or sports equipment regularly.
Golfer’s Elbow – Pain on the Inner Side
Golfer’s elbow affects the inner side of the elbow and causes pain when:
- Bending the elbow
- Lifting objects with the palm facing upward
- Gripping tightly
It is frequently seen in gym-goers, manual workers, and individuals involved in repetitive lifting or pulling activities.
Elbow Joint Stiffness and Early Arthritis
As age increases, or due to previous injury, the smooth cartilage lining of the elbow joint may wear down. This leads to:
- Stiffness during movement
- Pain while bending or straightening
- Reduced range of motion
Early joint wear can cause discomfort long before severe damage becomes visible.
Nerve Compression Around the Elbow
The elbow region contains important nerves that supply sensation and strength to the hand and fingers.
When these nerves are compressed or irritated:
- Pain may occur during elbow movement
- Tingling or numbness may be felt in fingers
- Weakness in grip may develop
Nerve-related elbow pain often worsens at night or when the elbow is bent for long periods.
Injury or Past Trauma
Even a minor fall or direct impact can injure:
- Ligaments
- Tendons
- Cartilage
Sometimes pain appears weeks or months after the injury, especially when the joint is stressed during movement.
People often forget the initial injury and get confused about the cause of pain.
Swelling or Fluid Accumulation
Inflammation inside or around the elbow joint can cause:
- Visible swelling
- Tightness while bending
- Pain while straightening fully
This condition may worsen if ignored and lead to long-term stiffness.
Muscle Imbalance and Poor Posture
Incorrect posture during work, poor lifting techniques, or improper gym form can place uneven stress on elbow structures.
Over time, this imbalance results in pain during normal movements.
Why Elbow Pain Should Not Be Ignored
Ignoring elbow pain can lead to:
- Chronic pain
- Reduced strength
- Permanent stiffness
- Difficulty in daily activities
- Need for advanced treatment later
Early evaluation by an orthopaedic elbow specialist ensures faster recovery and avoids complications.
How Elbow Pain Is Diagnosed by an Orthopaedic Doctor
When you visit London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, Dr. Vishal Sahni follows a detailed and systematic approach.
Diagnosis usually includes:
- Understanding your work, lifestyle, and activity pattern
- Identifying pain location and movement-related discomfort
- Physical examination of elbow movement and strength
- Checking nerve function
- Imaging tests if required, such as X-ray or MRI
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment.
Treatment Options for Elbow Pain During Bending or Straightening
Activity Modification and Rest
Reducing activities that strain the elbow is often the first step. This allows inflamed tissues to heal naturally.
Medicines for Pain and Inflammation
Short-term medication may be advised to reduce pain and swelling, allowing comfortable movement and faster recovery.
Physiotherapy and Guided Exercises
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in:
- Improving flexibility
- Strengthening supporting muscles
- Restoring full range of motion
- Preventing recurrence
Exercises are customised based on the exact cause of pain.
Supportive Braces and Ergonomic Correction
Elbow supports help reduce stress on tendons during activity.
Posture correction and workstation modification significantly reduce strain in office workers.
Advanced Non-Surgical Treatments
For patients with persistent pain, modern orthopaedic care offers targeted treatments that promote healing without surgery.
Surgical Treatment – Only When Required
Surgery is considered only when:
- Pain does not improve with conservative treatment
- Daily activities are severely affected
- Structural damage is confirmed
Dr. Vishal Sahni specialises in advanced elbow procedures with focus on faster recovery and long-term relief.
Recovery and Long-Term Care
Recovery depends on:
- Cause of elbow pain
- Duration of symptoms
- Patient’s lifestyle and compliance
With proper treatment:
- Most patients recover without surgery
- Pain reduces significantly
- Strength and movement return gradually
Regular follow-up ensures complete healing.
When Should You Consult an Orthopaedic Specialist?
You should seek expert care if:
- Pain persists for more than a few days
- Movement becomes restricted
- Pain worsens at night
- Numbness or weakness develops
- Daily work becomes difficult
Early consultation leads to simpler treatment and faster relief.
Expert Care for Elbow Pain in Nagpur
Dr. Vishal Sahni is a highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon with international training and expertise in shoulder, elbow, and wrist disorders.
His qualifications include:
- MBBS
- MS Orthopaedics
- FRCS Orthopaedics, London
- MCh Orthopaedics, Liverpool
At London Orthopaedic Clinic, Nagpur, patients receive:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Personalised treatment plans
- Advanced non-surgical and surgical care
- Ethical, patient-first approach
Final Thoughts
Elbow pain while bending or straightening the arm is not something you should live with or ignore. It is often an early warning sign that proper care is needed.
With timely evaluation, correct diagnosis, and expert orthopaedic treatment, most elbow problems can be managed effectively and safely.
If your elbow pain is affecting your daily life, consulting a specialised orthopaedic surgeon can make a significant difference in your recovery and long-term joint health.
FAQs – Elbow Pain While Bending or Straightening
What are the most common reasons for elbow pain while bending or straightening?
Elbow pain during movement is commonly caused by tendon strain, overuse injuries, inflammation around the elbow joint, nerve irritation, or minor injuries. Repetitive activities like typing, lifting, gym workouts, or manual work can gradually damage the elbow structures, leading to pain when the arm moves.
Is elbow pain while bending a serious condition?
In most cases, elbow pain is not serious if treated early. However, if the pain persists, increases over time, or affects daily activities, it may indicate an underlying problem that requires evaluation by an orthopaedic doctor.
Why does my elbow hurt more when I straighten my arm fully?
Pain while straightening the elbow usually occurs due to tendon inflammation, joint stiffness, swelling, or early joint wear. Tight or inflamed tissues can restrict smooth movement, causing discomfort when the arm is fully extended.
Can elbow pain occur without any injury?
Yes, elbow pain can occur even without a direct injury. Repetitive strain, poor posture, prolonged computer use, incorrect gym techniques, or continuous manual work can slowly damage elbow tendons and muscles, leading to pain during movement.
Does elbow pain get worse at night?
Elbow pain can worsen at night due to reduced movement, nerve irritation, or inflammation. Sleeping with the elbow bent for long periods may increase pressure on sensitive structures, leading to discomfort or stiffness.
How long does elbow pain usually take to heal?
Mild elbow pain often improves within a few weeks with rest, activity modification, and physiotherapy. Chronic or long-standing elbow problems may take longer and require specialised orthopaedic treatment for complete recovery.
Can physiotherapy help elbow pain during bending and straightening?
Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for elbow pain. It helps improve flexibility, strengthen muscles, reduce inflammation, and restore normal elbow movement, especially when started early.
Should I stop exercising if my elbow hurts during movement?
You should avoid activities that increase elbow pain, especially heavy lifting or repetitive movements. Light exercises may be continued under guidance, but ignoring pain and continuing intense workouts can worsen the condition.
Can poor posture cause elbow pain?
Poor posture, especially during computer work or prolonged desk jobs, can place extra stress on elbow tendons and muscles. Over time, this strain can lead to pain while bending or straightening the arm.
When should I consult an orthopaedic doctor for elbow pain?
You should consult an orthopaedic specialist if elbow pain lasts more than a few days, worsens with movement, causes stiffness, weakness, numbness, or interferes with daily activities like lifting, writing, or driving.
Are injections always required for elbow pain treatment?
No, most cases of elbow pain improve with non-surgical treatment such as rest, physiotherapy, medicines, and lifestyle modification. Injections are considered only when pain does not improve with initial treatment.
Can elbow pain return after treatment?
Elbow pain can return if the underlying cause is not corrected. Continuing poor posture, repetitive strain, or incorrect exercise techniques may lead to recurrence. Proper rehabilitation and preventive care reduce this risk.
Is surgery commonly needed for elbow pain?
Surgery is not commonly required. Most patients recover without surgery when elbow pain is diagnosed early and treated correctly. Surgical treatment is considered only in severe or long-standing cases.
Who should I consult for elbow pain in Nagpur?
For specialised elbow pain care in Nagpur, consulting an experienced orthopaedic surgeon with expertise in elbow disorders ensures accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.