There are several types of elbow pain that can interrupt your day and your hobbies. If you’re experiencing a burning sensation in your elbow, it might come and go, or be minimal enough that you can still attempt your normal routine.
However, burning pain is a sign that your body has a problem. Continuing with your normal activities may make the underlying problem worse or, at the very least, last longer than it needs to. In many cases, the underlying cause of a burning elbow pain can be treated with physical therapy when it relates to some of these common conditions.
Common causes of burning elbow pain
Your elbow is a complex joint, and a variety of conditions can contribute to pain. But not every condition causes burning pain in particular, which helps narrow down the list of potential causes.
Tennis elbow
This common overuse condition doesn’t just affect tennis players. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) occurs when repetitive use of the forearm muscles causes small tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms of tennis elbow can include burning pain that gets worse with activities like gripping or lifting.
Golfer’s elbow
Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow involves damage to tendons from repetitive strain. However, this condition impacts the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Activities such as throwing, typing, or other repetitive hand movements can trigger the burning sensation associated with golfer’s elbow.
Arthritis
Arthritis’s main symptoms include stiffness and burning. A burning pain in the elbow doesn’t always mean you’re starting to deal with either rheumatoid or osteoarthritis, but especially for folks above a certain age, it’s a possibility.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that attacks joint tissues, while osteoarthritis is caused by cartilage wear and tear over time. Both can create inflammation, stiffness, and heat-like pain sensations in the elbow joint.
Ligament sprain
Ligament injuries occur when the connective tissues around the elbow are overstretched or torn, often from a sudden jolt or accident. Pain from sprained ligaments often feels sharp or burning and is typically accompanied by swelling, making movement more difficult or reducing your range of motion.
Nerve damage/compression
Compressed nerves can result in pain that people often describe as burning or shooting. One notable example is cubital tunnel syndrome, which occurs when the ulnar nerve (running along the inside of the elbow) gets pinched. This condition often leads to burning, tingling, or numbness that travels down to the fingers.
Bursitis
At the tip of your elbow is a fluid-filled sac called the olecranon bursa that cushions the bony tip of the elbow. Overuse, injury, or prolonged pressure from activities like leaning on your elbows can irritate these sacs, leading to a burning sensation, swelling, and visible redness.
How to treat a burning pain in elbow
The best treatment for elbow pain depends on the specific underlying cause. Some general and condition-specific recommendations to soothe and treat your elbow discomfort include:
- Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain to prevent further damage.
- Cold or heat therapy: Ice packs can reduce swelling and numb the area, while heat may help soothe stiffness.
- Pain relief: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen) can be used to manage inflammation temporarily.
- Supportive braces: Braces or a splint can stabilize the joint and tendons, providing a stable position for the joint tissues to heal from conditions such as tennis elbow or ligament injuries.
No matter what the specific cause of your elbow pain, physical therapy is often the best first step in the treatment process to at least start understanding the reason for your pain.
How physical therapy helps treat elbow pain
Beyond the at-home techniques that may or may not be helpful in reducing your pain, our physical therapists at Carolina Strong utilize proven techniques to heal joint problems and soft tissue damage, such as:
- Joint mobilization
- Sport-specific therapy
- Rehabilitative stretches and exercises
Physical therapy is often recommended as the starting point for treating joint issues because it doesn’t rely on medication and is personalized for your specific needs and lifestyle.
Start your recovery today at Carolina Strong
Burning elbow joint pain can be stubborn, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Whether the cause is an injury, arthritis, or anything in between, the road to recovery often begins with professional treatment from experts who understand your needs.
At Carolina Strong Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping folks like you get back to the life they love with less pain. Meet our team and learn how we might be able to help you heal by calling one of our clinics or by requesting an appointment online today.
