What could be causing intermittent pain in the elbow joint?

Generally, intermittent pain in the elbow or arm joint may be related to factors such as strain, exposure to cold, inflammation, cervical spondylosis, or osteoarthritis. Appropriate treatment should be carried out under medical guidance based on the underlying cause.

1. Strain: There are many muscles and tendons around the arm joint. Excessive or forceful joint movements can lead to soft tissue strain around the joint, resulting in localized pain. Usually, no specific treatment is required; adequate rest and avoiding overuse are sufficient.

2. Cold exposure: Prolonged exposure of the arm to cold air or wind, or soaking in cold water, may cause pain due to chilling. Applying a warm towel for heat compress can help alleviate symptoms.

3. Inflammation: If inflammation occurs, inflammatory mediators can irritate the joint, causing pain and swelling in the arm joint. Under a doctor's guidance, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release tablets, celecoxib capsules, or etoricoxib tablets may be used for treatment.

4. Cervical spondylosis: If nerves or blood vessels in the neck are compressed due to cervical spine issues, it may lead to muscle spasms and pain radiating to the arm. Patients are advised to visit a hospital for cervical spine imaging to confirm diagnosis. Treatments such as massage, heat therapy, and acupuncture may be beneficial.

5. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common joint disorder, primarily characterized by damage to joint cartilage and involving the entire joint structure, leading to symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and enlargement in the arm joint. Under medical supervision, treatments may include chondroitin sulfate tablets, compound betamethasone injection, or sodium hyaluronate injection.

Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to undergo standardized treatment under professional guidance, which helps promote recovery.