Elbow And Arm Pain

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 heat pack or a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your arm - do this for 10 to 15 minutes, every few hours
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

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

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, cold or shivery

Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if:

you have severe pain in your arm and it's difficult to move
you've injured your arm and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
your arm tingles or feels numb

Call 999 if:

arm pain has come on suddenly and it occurs with pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest

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.

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