Introduction
Elbow and arm pain is not usually a sign of anything serious. If it does not go away after a few weeks, see a GP.
How you can ease elbow and arm pain yourself
To ease elbow and arm pain, try these things for a couple of days:
- put a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your arm – do this for 5 minutes, 3 times a day
- take painkillers like paracetamol ↗ or ibuprofen ↗
- raise your arm if it's swollen
See a GP if:
- elbow or arm pain does not go away after a few weeks
Get help from NHS 111 if your arm:
- hurts when you exercise but the pain goes away when you rest
- is swollen and you have a very high temperature or feel hot and shivery
- is extremely painful and difficult to move
- tingles or feels numb
- has been injured and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
These can be signs of a heart problem (angina ↗), an infection or a broken arm ↗.
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online ↗.
Call 999 if:
- arm pain has come on suddenly and your chest feels like it's being squeezed
This could be a sign of a heart attack ↗.
Causes of elbow and arm pain
Apart from an injury, these things can cause arm and elbow pain.
Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.