Elbow bone spur: symptoms, causes, treatment
Learn common causes of an elbow bone spur and how to alleviate discomfort, especially with exercises from physical therapists.
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Bone spurs are extra bone growths that can develop near a joint, such as your elbow. This is a natural change that can happen as you get older, especially after years of repetitive movement or pressure on the elbow.
Many people have bone spurs and don’t know it because they may not lead to any symptoms, says Courtney Fitzpatrick, PT, DPT, a physical therapist with Hinge Health. “If a bone spur presses against nerves and other bones, you might feel some pain with everyday activities like typing, gripping a grocery bag handle, or getting dressed.”
But you don’t have to live with this discomfort: Conservative treatments like targeted exercises and stretches can help. Read on to learn more about what causes an elbow bone spur, plus how to manage it with exercises recommended by our Hinge Health physical therapists.
Reviewed by our clinical and medical experts
Christynne Helfrich, PT, DPT
Courtney Fitzpatrick, PT, DPT
Elbow bone spur causes
A bone spur is like a callus inside your joint — just as skin builds up layers to protect against friction or pressure, your body grows extra bone in response to stress or instability. Elbow bone spurs often form in between your humerus (the long bone in your upper arm) and your ulna, (a bone in your forearm that extends from your elbow to your wrist), says Dr. Fitzpatrick. Several factors can contribute to the development of an elbow bone spur, including:
Repetitive stress. “Bone spurs don’t just appear overnight, they usually develop gradually over time,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. Everyday activities that involve repeated motions, like typing or crafting, can affect your elbow’s soft tissues (ligaments, muscles, and tendons). In response, your body may form extra bone as it tries to heal these tissues.
Injury. If you have an injury like a broken bone or a ligament issue near your elbow, your body naturally responds to support recovery, says Dr. Fitzpatrick. As part of this process, it's common to form extra bone in the area.
Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones changes over time. In response to these natural, age-related shifts, your body may form extra bone in the area to help support your elbow.
Normal age-related changes. Soft tissues in and around your elbow tend to lose strength over time. There may also be less fluid to help keep the joint moving smoothly. “These natural changes can sometimes put more stress on the joint and lead to a bone spur,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick.
Elbow bone spur symptoms
Bone spurs often don't lead to any symptoms. But if the spur presses against nerves or other bones, it may reduce your elbow’s range of motion and lead to pain during everyday activities.
Other symptoms include:
Sharp pain when you bend and straighten the affected arm
Stiffness around your elbow joint
Weakness in and around your elbow
Tingling and numbness that radiates down your arm to your hand
Swelling at or around your elbow
Exercises for elbow bone spurs
Want expert care? Check if you're covered for our free program →- Wrist extensor stretch
- Wrist flexor stretch
- Towel wringing
- Ulnar nerve glide
- Radial nerve glide
These exercises and stretches for elbow bone spurs are designed to help your body adjust and gain additional strength and mobility in your joint, reducing pain, and increasing your comfort. Building strength and flexibility in the muscles around your elbow can make daily activities easier and support your overall joint health. Regular stretching can also help ease tension and keep your elbow moving smoothly.
The information contained in these videos is intended to be used for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or treatment for any specific condition. Hinge Health is not your healthcare provider and is not responsible for any injury sustained or exacerbated by your use of or participation in these exercises. Please consult with your healthcare provider with any questions you may have about your medical condition or treatment.
Physical therapy (PT) is for more than just recovering from surgery or injury. It’s one of the top treatments for joint and muscle pain. It helps build strength, improve mobility, and reduce pain. And it doesn't always need to be in person.
Hinge Health members can conveniently access customized plans or chat with their care team at home or on the go — and experience an average 68% reduction in pain* within the first 12 weeks of their program. Learn more*.
Treatments for elbow bone spur
You may be wondering, can bone spurs be removed without surgery? They can’t, but you don’t need to remove a bone spur to get relief. Most of the time, the pain from bone spurs can be managed without surgery, Dr. Fitzpatrick says. “Elbow bone spur treatments include physical therapy, pain relievers, and gentle exercises like the ones above.”
Try physical therapy and targeted exercises. Targeted exercises and stretches help reduce pain, improve strength, and restore range of motion in the elbow. You can do exercise therapy at home or work with a physical therapist who can guide you through movements tailored to your needs. You can see a physical therapist in person or use a program like Hinge Health, where you may access a PT via telehealth/video visit.
Try over-the-counter (OTC) medication. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be helpful for pain linked to elbow bone spurs. You may be able to find relief with an over the counter topical anti-inflammatory cream such as diclofenac, says Dr. Fitzpatrick. It’s important to make sure that you are safely able to take these medications, based on your medical history.
Apply ice and heat. Heat therapy is especially helpful for loosening tight muscles around the elbow and improving blood circulation. Ice, on the other hand, can help numb pain and reduce swelling. Either method works, says Dr.Fitzpatrick. Alternate between the two, or choose the option that feels best for you.
Use athletic or kinesiology tape. Taping can provide gentle support around your elbow as you're doing chores or your targeted exercises, says Dr. Fitzpatrick.
Consider injections. Your doctor may recommend that you get injections in your sore elbow, especially if you have osteoarthritis. Steroid shots may help ease pain so that you can do your exercise therapy.
TENS therapy. TENS, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, uses gentle electrical impulses to interact with your nervous system and help reduce pain associated with elbow bone spurs. One option is the wearable device Enso, available through Hinge Health. It’s small, wireless, and portable.
Try complementary treatments. Talk to your provider if you’re interested in trying alternative treatments for elbow bone spur relief, such as massage, acupuncture, or chiropractic care. Some people also find relief from dry needling, a technique performed by a trained acupuncturist or physical therapist, Dr. Fitzpatrick says. Thin needles are placed in specific areas around the elbow to help ease discomfort and promote relaxation.
When to see a doctor
Elbow bone spur pain often improves on its own with conservative treatments, Dr. Fitzpatrick says. But if your elbow bone spur pain is severe, getting worse, or causing difficulty with daily activities, see a healthcare provider. It’s also a good idea to get care if you have:
Difficulty moving your arm
Worsening numbness or tingling sensations
Significant loss of elbow function
PT tip: Adjust your desk setup
Your workspace can make a difference in how your elbows feel, says Dr. Fitzpatrick. If you tend to lean on your elbows throughout the day, try adjusting your setup by removing your chair’s armrests, or adding additional padding to reduce pressure on your elbow. Position your keyboard so that it sits comfortably in front of you and allows your wrists to relax. “Also, keep your computer mouse close to your hand so you can reach it easily without having to stretch or strain your elbow,” Dr. Fitzpatrick says.
How Hinge Health can help you
If you have joint or muscle pain that makes it hard to move, you can get the relief you’ve been looking for with Hinge Health’s online exercise therapy program.
The best part: You don’t have to leave your home because our program is digital. That means you can easily get the care you need through our app when and where it works for you.
Through our program, you’ll have access to therapeutic exercises and stretches for your condition. Additionally, you’ll have a personal care team to guide, support, and tailor our program to you.
See if you qualify for Hinge Health and confirm free coverage through your employer or benefit plan here.
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition.
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References
1. Li, Y., Mei, L., Shugela Rahat, Pang, L., Li, R., Xiong, Y., Li, J., & Tang, X. (2024). The efficacy of kinesio tape in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prospective randomized controlled trials. Heliyon, 10(3), e25606–e25606. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25606
2. Ma, X., Qiao, Y.-Q., Wang, J.-Y., Xu, A.-L., & Rong, J.-F. (2024). Therapeutic effects of dry needling on lateral epicondylitis: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. doi: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.02.713
3. O’Connor, F. G. (2025). Evaluation of elbow pain in adults. Uptodate.com. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-elbow-pain-in-adults?search=elbow%20pain&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~76&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
4. Osteoarthritis of the Elbow - OrthoInfo - AAOS. (n.d.). Www.orthoinfo.org. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-elbow/