Humeroulnar joint
This hinge joint between the upper arm bone and the ulna allows the elbow to bend and straighten through its largest range of motion.
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Pain frequency45
Recovery length35
Exercise load35
Clinician need40
Self-care fit70
Recurrence risk45
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Quick answers
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is degenerative irritation of the tendons attaching to the outer bony bump of the elbow, most often related to repetitive wrist extension and gripping rather than tennis specifically.
What is golfer's elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a similar condition affecting the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, associated with repetitive gripping and wrist flexion activities.
Is elbow tendinopathy an inflammatory condition?
Research has shown that chronically affected tendons often show degenerative changes with little active inflammation, which is part of why the term tendinopathy is now often preferred over the older term tendinitis.
How long does tennis elbow typically take to resolve?
Many cases improve substantially within six to twelve weeks with activity modification and progressive loading exercise, though some persist for six months or longer without proper management.
What is cubital tunnel syndrome?
Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve as it passes behind the inner elbow, producing numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers.
Do elbow braces or straps help?
Counterforce bracing is commonly used to reduce load on irritated tendons during activity, though most guidelines consider it a supportive measure alongside, rather than a replacement for, progressive exercise.
The elbow joint is formed by the meeting of the upper arm bone with the two forearm bones, creating a hinge that allows bending and straightening while a separate articulation between the forearm bones allows rotation.
Two bony prominences at the base of the upper arm bone, the medial and lateral epicondyles, serve as attachment points for the muscles that move the wrist and fingers, which is why so many common elbow conditions are actually tendon problems rather than joint problems.
Key structures
Proximal radioulnar joint
This joint between the two forearm bones, working together with a similar joint at the wrist, allows the forearm to rotate the hand palm-up or palm-down.
Common extensor tendon
This tendon attaches the forearm extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle and is the primary site of irritation in tennis elbow.
Common flexor tendon
This tendon attaches the forearm flexor muscles to the medial epicondyle and is the primary site of irritation in golfer's elbow.
Ulnar collateral ligament
This ligament resists stress on the inner elbow and is particularly important in overhead throwing athletes, where repetitive stress can lead to injury.
Ulnar nerve
This nerve passes behind the inner elbow through a narrow passage and can become compressed with prolonged bending or direct pressure, producing tingling in the ring and little fingers.
Planes & range
Elbow flexion from full extension to a fully bent position represents the joint's primary hinge motion, while pronation and supination each contribute roughly 80–90° of forearm rotation.
This anatomy explains why elbow pain is so often a tendon overuse problem centered on the epicondyles rather than a joint problem, and why treatment tends to target the forearm muscles as much as the elbow itself.
Keep exploring
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