Elbow pain

The elbow is the joint that connects the upper arm to the forearm. Different structures in and around the elbow together ensure that the joint can move well. Pain in the elbow - sometimes combined with a movement restriction - can arise both acutely and over a longer period.

Anatomy of the elbow

Three bones come together in the elbow to form the elbow joint. These are the upper arm (humerus), the radius and the ulna. The bones in the joint are held in place by the joint capsule and ligaments. Around the elbow, many muscles attach via tendinous tissue that make the movements of the elbow possible.

Bursae ensure that the tissue can glide well over each other during movements. A bursa is a kind of smooth, slippery little cushion. On the back of the elbow is a bursa called the 'bursa olecrani'.

Nerves and blood vessels run along the elbow. The nerves ensure that impulses are transmitted to and from the different parts of the arm. This allows us to control muscles, but also to perceive pain. The blood vessels transport blood so that the entire arm and hand are supplied with oxygen and nutrients.

Check your elbow symptoms

To get a good picture of the cause of the pain in the elbow, we advise you to do the online physiotherapy check. By pointing out where you have pain and then answering the questions, your elbow pain is compared with the most common conditions in physiotherapy. You can contact a physiotherapist nearby for professional advice.

Elbow conditions

Below is an overview of conditions that can cause pain in the elbow. Each article provides extensive information about the symptoms, the cause and any treatment. When you do the online physiotherapy check, your symptoms are compared with all these conditions.