The three long bones of the arm--two in the forearm and one in the upper arm--join together to make the elbow joint. A variety of muscles, ligaments and tendons support the bones and joint. Injury in any of these structures can result in pain. However, pain in the arm that affects the elbow doesn't tend to be serious and can often be resolved through home treatment.
Tendinitis
If the tendons that attach the muscles of the arm to the bones become inflamed or irritated, this can cause tendinitis of the elbow and arm. Tendinitis of the tendons supporting the outside of the elbow is often associated with racquet sports such as tennis, so it is often called tennis elbow. The pain from tennis elbow can spread down to the wrist and forearm. Other specific forms of tendinitis related to repetitive sports activity include golfers elbow, a tendinitis of the inner tendon of the elbow, and pitchers elbow, which typically occurs in children involved in little league sports. Gardening and overuse of the wrist can also cause tendinitis to develop in the arm and elbow. In general, tendinitis, including tennis elbow, can be treated with rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers.
Dislocation
A dislocation occurs when the bones stretch apart in the elbow joint and do not come back together again properly. In children, a partial dislocation sometimes occurs if the child's arm is pulled by a caregiver or during play and the ligament slips into the joint space, preventing the bones from realigning. The pain from a partial elbow dislocation makes it hurt to bend or extend the arm. In cases of trauma to the elbow, a complete dislocation may occur, which is extremely painful and significantly limits the movement of the arm. Dislocations require the assistance of a doctor to heal and individuals who have had a dislocation may experience a recurrence.
Elbow Strain
An elbow strain occurs when the muscles leading to the elbow become stretched beyond their normal capacity. Often caused by an overexertion or lack of flexibility, strains can often be prevented by stretching and warming up before workouts. Elbow strains typically heal themselves over time. Rest and the application of ice are the only treatment necessary.
Osteoarthritis
Sometimes, pain involving the elbow joint can be a sign of an underlying disease such as osteoarthritis, the most common for of arthritis according to MayoClinic.com. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, happens when the body's immune system attacks the joints, including those of the elbow. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but home treatment involving rest and the use of over-the-counter pain creams can relieve the symptoms.
