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What causes bone spur elbow pain?
Your elbow is a complex joint where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna (both forearm bones). These bones are connected by ligaments and surrounded by muscles, which allow the elbow to bend, straighten, and rotate. Smooth cartilage covers the bone surfaces, reducing friction and allowing the joint to move freely.
Sometimes, tiny outgrowths of bone called bone spurs can develop along the edges of the bones. Also known as osteophytes, bone spurs are small, bony projections that can irritate surrounding tissue and limit joint function. Bone spurs in the elbow can result in pain, stiffness, tingling, and restricted movement. They often form gradually in response to:
- Osteoarthritis
- Family history
- Injury and repetitive overuse
- Inflammatory conditions
- Joint degeneration with age
Fortunately, many people find relief through noninvasive methods like elbow osteophyte therapy with a licensed and experienced physical therapist.
Physical Therapy for Elbow Spurs
If you’re experiencing pain from an elbow bone spur, physical therapy can offer an effective and noninvasive treatment plan. A licensed physical therapist will begin by evaluating your range of motion, joint mechanics, strength, and pain points. Based on these findings, they’ll design a plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your elbow’s overall function. Common treatment options include:
- Manual therapy
Manual therapy refers to hands-on techniques performed by a trained physical therapist. Soft tissue manipulation involves kneading, stroking, and stretching muscles and fascia to reduce tightness and improve blood flow. Joint mobilization uses controlled movements to increase joint flexibility and decrease stiffness. These approaches can help reduce compression around the bone spur and alleviate discomfort. Therapists with advanced certification in orthopedic manual physical therapy may use highly specific techniques tailored to your condition.
- Stretching exercises
Tight muscles surrounding the elbow can increase pressure and worsen pain. Your therapist may guide you through gentle stretching exercises aimed at restoring length and elasticity to these muscles. Targeted stretches may focus on the forearm flexors, extensors, and upper arm muscles to support balanced mobility.
- Strengthening exercises
Improving the strength of your arm muscles can provide additional support to your elbow joint. Your therapist may create a custom strengthening plan that includes resistance bands, dumbbells, or bodyweight exercises. These exercises aim to stabilize the joint, reduce stress on affected structures, and prevent further irritation.
- Electrical stimulation
This modality involves applying low-level electrical currents to stimulate nerves and muscles. The sensation feels like gentle tingling and may help reduce pain and muscle spasms. In some cases, it can also promote localized tissue healing. Your therapist will determine the best settings and electrode placement based on your symptoms.
- Ultrasound therapy
Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate soft tissue and increase circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing. This technique is especially helpful when bone spurs are accompanied by chronic soft tissue tightness or tendon irritation. It can help prepare your elbow for other forms of therapy.
- Functional training
Your therapist will help you retrain how you perform daily movements. Whether you’re lifting, reaching, or gripping, using proper form can reduce stress on your elbow. You’ll learn strategies and tools to minimize discomfort while staying active.
- Bracing and orthotics
Supportive braces or kinesiology tape may be used to limit painful movement and improve joint awareness (proprioception). These tools can help you continue your routine while protecting the elbow from further irritation. Bracing may be especially helpful during sports, work tasks, or other high-repetition activities.
Additional Elbow Joint Pain Treatments
In addition to physical therapy, your provider may recommend other treatments to help reduce symptoms and improve your comfort:
- Anti-inflammatory medication — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage swelling and discomfort.
- Heat and cold therapy — Heat can relax stiff muscles before exercise, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation afterward.
- Activity modification — Adjusting your daily habits and giving your elbow time to rest can help avoid further stress on the joint.
- Corticosteroid injections — For severe pain, an injection may offer temporary relief, but repeated use can carry risks.
- Surgery — If conservative methods fail, arthroscopic surgery to remove the spur may be considered. Post-surgery rehab with PT is essential.
Don’t let an elbow bone spur disrupt your routine — Lattimore PT can help!
Elbow bone spurs can cause more than just pain — they can make everyday activities frustrating or even impossible. At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we believe you don’t have to live with that limitation. Our compassionate team has the experience and skill to help you manage your symptoms and improve your elbow function. With many of our physical therapists certified in orthopedic manual physical therapy (COMT), you’ll get expert care at nearly every Lattimore location. Get started with your elbow bone spur physical therapy journey today! Schedule an appointment now to start your recovery.
