Different types of pain often indicate different types of issues your body is trying to communicate to you. A sharp, stabbing sensation might signal a tear or acute injury. A dull ache could point to overuse or muscle fatigue. But what about that unsettling burning sensation in your elbow?
Burning pain often suggests something slightly different is happening beneath the surface. While many types of discomfort stem from direct tissue damage, a burning feeling typically indicates an issue with nerve signaling or inflammation affecting the nerve pathways around where the sensation is located. Knowing the reason for this burning pain is important because it can direct the course of treatment.
That said, burning elbow pain inside the joint doesn’t always have a single, straightforward cause. Sometimes it’s tied to repetitive strain. Other times, it’s linked to an underlying condition like arthritis or bursitis. Because the elbow is such a complex joint—where several bones, tendons, ligaments, and nerves all converge—pinpointing the exact source requires careful attention.
If you’ve been dealing with persistent or worsening burning elbow pain, it’s worth consulting a professional. Whether that’s your primary care doctor or a physical therapist, getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective relief.
Potential causes for burning sensation in your elbow
Several conditions and injuries can trigger burning elbow pain inside or around the joint. Here are some of the most common culprits:
Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the tip of the elbow joint—becomes inflamed. This inflammation can create a burning or warm sensation, often accompanied by swelling and tenderness. Repetitive motions, prolonged pressure on the elbow, or direct trauma are typical triggers.
Ligament sprain
A sprain happens when the ligaments supporting your elbow are stretched or torn. While sprains often cause sharp pain, they can also produce a burning feeling, especially if nerve endings in the area become irritated during the injury.
Arthritis
Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can affect the elbow joint. Arthritis leads to inflammation, cartilage breakdown, and sometimes nerve compression—all of which may contribute to a burning sensation in the elbow. Pain from arthritis tends to worsen with movement and improve with rest.
Nerve compression or irritation
Conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome or radial tunnel syndrome involve compression or irritation of nerves running through the elbow. These nerve issues frequently produce burning, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the forearm or into the hand.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, which result in the conditions commonly known as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. While tendinitis typically causes aching pain, nerve involvement can introduce a burning quality to the discomfort. Tennis elbow pain tends to affect the outside of your elbow, whereas golfer’s affects the inner side.
Infection or skin conditions
In rarer cases, infections in or around the elbow joint—or skin conditions like shingles—can cause localized burning pain. These situations usually come with additional symptoms like redness, fever, or a visible rash.
How to treat a burning pain in your elbow
Elbow burning pain treatment depends largely on the underlying cause. In many cases, you can start with at-home care. For more persistent or severe issues, professional intervention may be necessary.
At-home treatments
- Rest and activity modification: It might seem obvious, but the first step toward healing an injury on your own is to avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms. This might mean adjusting your workstation setup, taking frequent breaks, or temporarily cutting back on playing sports or doing certain hobbies.
- Ice therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce inflammation and numb the burning sensation. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially after activities that irritate the elbow.
- Compression and elevation: Wrapping the elbow with an elastic bandage can help control swelling. Elevating your arm above heart level when resting also encourages fluid drainage and reduces inflammation.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can ease both pain and inflammation. Follow dosage instructions carefully and consult a healthcare provider if you need to use them for more than a few days.
- Gentle stretching and strengthening: Once acute pain subsides, gentle stretches and strengthening exercises can help restore mobility and prevent recurrence. Focus on movements that don’t exacerbate the burning sensation.
Professional treatment options
If home care doesn’t provide relief within a week or two, it’s probably time to seek professional guidance. A Therapydia Physical Therapist or doctor can offer targeted treatments based on your specific diagnosis:
- Physical therapy: Physical therapists specialize in addressing musculoskeletal and nerve-related issues. They can design a personalized exercise program to improve strength, flexibility, and joint mechanics. Manual therapy techniques—such as massage, joint mobilization, or nerve gliding exercises—may also help alleviate burning sensations caused by nerve irritation.
- Bracing or splinting: Wearing a brace or splint can immobilize the elbow, allowing inflamed tissues to heal. This approach is especially helpful for ligament sprains or nerve compression syndromes.
- Lifestyle modifications: Especially for chronic conditions that might be affecting you, like arthritis, adjusting your daily routine may be necessary to minimize stress on the elbow joint and prevent future pain.
- Weight management: Reducing overall body weight can decrease nerve pressure on all joints, including the elbow.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants may help manage inflammation.
When to see a professional about burning elbow pain
Not all burning sensations in your elbow require immediate medical attention. Minor discomfort that comes and goes or improves with self-care may resolve on its own within a few days.
However, consider seeing a professional if:
- The burning pain persists beyond two weeks despite rest and at-home treatment.
- The pain progressively worsens rather than improving.
- You experience significant swelling, redness, or warmth around the elbow joint.
- The burning sensation is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand or fingers.
- The pain becomes severe enough to interfere with the most basic daily activities like dressing, eating, or moving around your home.
- You develop a fever or notice signs of infection.
Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming chronic problems. A physical therapist can assess your condition, identify the root cause of the musculoskeletal pain, and tailor a treatment plan to your needs.
Get expert help for your burning elbow pain
Burning elbow pain doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Whether it’s caused by inflammation, nerve irritation, or an underlying condition, the right treatment plan can bring meaningful relief.
At Therapydia, our experienced physical therapists specialize in diagnosing and treating elbow pain. We’ll work with you to develop a personalized plan that addresses your symptoms and helps you return to the activities you love. Start the conversation with our team by calling the nearest Therapydia clinic to you or by requesting your appointment online today.