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Pain in the elbow can occur for many reasons. Sometimes lifting heavy objects repeatedly cause this pain in the upper limbs. There are also other cause of pain in the elbow are acute injury which occurs due to lifting of unusual heavy objects, diseases or injury, which if left untreated can worsen and become difficult to treat.  Elbow is a body part formed between three bones: 

• Humerus (upper arm bone)
• Ulna (forearm)
• Radius (forearm)

These bones are surrounded by a combination of cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. 

• Cartilage- covers the bones to ease stress from compression and allow for fluid joint movement. 
• Tendons- connect the bones to surrounding muscles. 
• Ligaments- connect bones to other bones.

Some other common causes of elbow pain includes:

Tennis elbow

When a person experience pain while lifting an object, it is known as tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis. In this the tendons surrounding the bone of the elbow tear or and condition occurs while performing everyday actions such as lifting, twisting and gripping, which cause swelling in the joint and tendons. It can occur in any age but generally seems in people aged 30-50 years. 

Tennis players, people with professions in building and painting are more susceptible group. 

Symptoms include:

• Sharp pain
• Swelling
• Aching sensation on the outside of the elbow

Trapped nerves

Pressure from surrounding tissue in the elbow can cause trapped nerves. It is also termed as nerve entrapment or pinched nerve. 

Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling sensations
• Weakness in the arm, wrist, or hand

Cubital tunnel syndrome

This occurs due to compression in the ulnar nerve or repeated strain on the elbow or trauma to the area, which can cause irritation of the ulnar nerve.

Symptoms include:

• Numbness
• Tingling.

Pronator teres syndrome

This is a compression of median nerve at the elbow. It is associated with the prolonged or repetitive forearm movement. Mostly it is seen in Carpenters, mechanics, tennis players and weight lifters

Symptoms include: 

• Aching in the forearm, wrist, or hand.
• Medial elbow tenderness

Posterior Interosseous Nerve Syndrome

This can cause lateral elbow pain and also known as lateral epicondylitis. This syndrome is generally seems in bowlers, swimmers, golfers and disc throwers.

Symptoms include: 

• weakness of the wrist and fingers. 
• reduced range of movement
• swelling/inflammation
• stiffness

Dislocated Elbow

A dislocated elbow occurs when the upper arm bone, or the humerus, becomes separated or forced out of alignment from the forearm bones, called the radius and the ulna. The cause of dislocated elbow occurs due to accident or fall

Symptoms include:

• loss of feeling in the area
• Inability to move the wrist, fingers, or hand
• Inability to twist or bend the elbow
• Loss of pulse in the wrist

Fractured Elbow

A fractured elbow can occur when a part of the humerus, radius, or ulna bone breaks near the elbow, when a person collides with an object at speed. This is most commonly occurs in the paediatric population.

Symptoms include:

• Swelling or bruising
• Stiffness
• Numbness in the arm, wrist, or hand
• Weakness in the arm, wrist, or hand
• Sustained pain

Arthritis

There are different types of arthritis that may affect the elbow. Two of these are Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Rheumatoid arthritis- is an autoimmune condition that cause joint pain, inflammation and swelling and damage throughout body over time.
• Osteoarthritis- affects the cartilage on the end of bones. This most commonly affects joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine.

Symptoms include:

• Pain that often increases when a person bends or straightens their elbow.
• stiffness
• An ability to move the elbow in certain directions or pain when doing so.

Treatment 

Taking any of the following steps could help relieve elbow pain at home:

• Stop lifting: It is advisable to stop lifting any object if a person is experiencing pain.
• Over-the-counter medications: Options such as ibuprofen and aspirin can reduce swelling and prevent pain. 
• Apply ice: Icing can reduce swelling and limit pain, if applied for short time or for 10-15 minutes
• Wear an elbow brace: Support mechanism can also relieve some of the strain on the elbow.
• Steroid injections: This may help treat chronic pain that occurs due to repetitive strain and does not respond to other treatments.

In extreme cases like fracture, surgery may also be required to repair broken bones or damaged tissue.

Summary 

The elbow is a complicated part of the body that allows people to lift, throw, grip, and twist the arm. People may experience different forms of pain in these areas when lifting. People experiencing such pain can prevent further pain and damage by trying some home remedies or doing few exercise. If still pain persist, a person should consult to the doctor immediately. The type of treatment a person receive depends on the part of the elbow and the severity of the pain that affects it.