Elbow and arm pain

Elbow and arm pain isn't usually a sign of anything serious. If it doesn't go away after a few weeks, see a GP.

How you can ease elbow and arm pain yourself

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 the arm if it's swollen

See a GP if:

• the pain doesn't go away after a few weeks

Get an urgent GP appointment 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

These can be signs of a heart problem (angina) or an infection.

Go to a minor injuries clinic or A&E if you've injured your arm and:

• it's extremely painful and difficult to move
• you have bruising and swelling
• you have tingling and numbness
• you heard a snap and your arm has changed shape

These could be signs of a broken arm and you need an X-ray.

Find a minor injuries walk-in clinic

Call 999 if:

• the pain has come on suddenly and your chest feels like it's being squeezed

These could be signs of a heart attack or stroke.

Causes of elbow and arm pain

Apart from an injury, these things can cause arm pain.

Don't self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.