Elbow Strain Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

An elbow strain is an injury to the elbow that occurs when the muscles or tendons that flex (bend) and extend (straighten) the elbow get stretched. An elbow strain may also be referred to as a “pulled muscle” or pulled elbow muscle.

Elbow strain injuries are typically the result of the elbow moving beyond its limits (overextending), which causes minor tears of one or more of the muscles and/or tendons around the elbow. This may lead to what is commonly described as an overextended elbow.

A strain differs from a sprain because a strain involves the muscle and/or tendons, while a sprain involves the ligaments (the connective tissue that connects one end of a bone with another to provide stabilization of a joint). 

An elbow strain occurs as the result of:

• Repetitive use, like motions used in tennis and golf
• An injury, such as  breaking a fall with an outstretched arm, which may result in an overextended elbow
• Making a sudden movement when exercising without warming up properly

Elbow strain is common in these sports:

• Basketball
• Football
• Golf
• Rugby
• Tennis
• Volleyball

You may have an elbow strain if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Pain on flexion
• Symptoms may worsen with activity

Symptoms may worsen with activity

If you have pain in the elbow area after an injury and you suspect that you may have an elbow strain, treat initially using the following steps:

• Rest the elbow
• Ice the affected area intermittently throughout the day

If you have symptoms of an elbow strain that worsen over time or that affect your range of motion and strength, make an appointment with an orthopedic specialist. During your appointment, your doctor will ask you to describe your symptoms and will examine your arm for range of motion, stability, and tenderness.

Elbow strains are almost always treated using conservative, non-operative treatment methods, including:

• Resting the arm
• Icing the affected area
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation
• Physical therapy

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Elbow Strain

In rare cases, for example, in the case of a severe elbow strain or complete tear of the muscle, 

patients will need surgery to reattach the torn muscle.

Elbow strains can heal within three to six weeks using conservative treatment methods. Athletes can return to play and normal activities when they have regained the full range of motion of the arm and are free of pain.