Why does the inner side of the elbow hurt and not straighten?

Generally, pain on the inner side of the elbow when bending and the inability to fully extend the elbow may be caused by overuse and strain, medial epicondylitis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or elbow ligament injuries. If discomfort occurs, seek medical attention promptly. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Overuse and Strain

Prolonged heavy physical labor or vigorous exercise, especially repetitive arm movements such as typing or lifting heavy objects, can cause local muscle and joint capsule strain, leading to pain and limited extension. Rest appropriately and avoid excessive fatigue; apply local heat or cold compresses to relieve pain; perform suitable muscle stretching and relaxation exercises.

2. Medial Epicondylitis

Medial epicondylitis occurs due to excessive tension in the forearm muscles, causing damage to the tendons connecting the muscles to the bones, resulting in an inflammatory response. Pain may worsen during activity and improve with rest, sometimes accompanied by elbow stiffness. Patients can take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, aspirin enteric-coated tablets, or naproxen tablets under the guidance of a physician.

3. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis caused by degenerative changes in the elbow joint leads to cartilage wear and degeneration, resulting in uneven joint surfaces and friction and pain during movement, which may manifest as joint pain and stiffness. Patients can take medications such as compound chondroitin sulfate tablets, celecoxib capsules, or meloxicam capsules as advised by a physician.

4. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with immune system dysfunction. Infection with group A streptococcus in the elbow joint or long-term exposure to damp and cold environments may lead to rheumatoid arthritis, causing redness, swelling, heat, pain, and functional impairment in the elbow, possibly accompanied by joint swelling and morning stiffness. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as cyclophosphamide tablets, azathioprine tablets, or methotrexate tablets.

5. Elbow Ligament Injury

Elbow ligament injuries are often caused by vigorous exercise or trauma. When the elbow experiences external force exceeding the ligament's tolerance limit, it can result in ligament tearing or rupture, causing pain and limited extension on the inner side of the elbow bend. Severe injuries may require surgical repair, followed by postoperative rehabilitation to restore joint function.

In daily life, it is recommended to reduce elbow joint activity, avoid overuse, and allow sufficient rest for the arm.