A burning sensation in the left elbow is a specific signal indicating irritation of a nerve, tendon, or the joint itself. This discomfort is often described as an electrical shock, deep warmth, or sharp, stinging pain, suggesting that nerve signaling pathways are affected. The specific location helps narrow possibilities to issues common in the elbow’s anatomy, such as mechanical compression or inflammatory responses. While many causes relate to repetitive strain or minor trauma, any persistent or escalating burning symptom warrants attention.
Nerve Entrapment and Irritation
The most common source of a burning or electrical sensation in the elbow is the compression or irritation of one of the major nerves that pass through the area. The ulnar nerve, often called the “funny bone” nerve, is particularly susceptible to entrapment as it travels through a narrow passageway on the inner side of the elbow known as the cubital tunnel. When this nerve is compressed, it can generate intermittent or ongoing neuropathic pain described as burning, tingling, or prickling.
This compression often occurs when the elbow is kept bent for long periods, such as while sleeping or during certain work activities, which stretches the nerve and increases pressure on it within the tunnel. The burning pain frequently radiates down the forearm and into the hand, specifically affecting the little finger and half of the ring finger. In more severe cases, this prolonged irritation can lead to decreased sensory function, muscle weakness, or difficulty with fine motor skills in the affected hand.
The radial nerve, which runs along the outer side of the elbow, can also be compressed, though less frequently, and may cause a burning pain that is felt closer to the outside of the joint. In both cases, the burning sensation arises from the nerve fibers sending abnormal electrical signals to the brain because their protective covering or the nerve fibers themselves are being damaged or squeezed.
Inflammation of Tendons and Joints
A deep, localized burning pain in the elbow can also result from intense inflammation of the tendons or the fluid-filled sacs surrounding the joint. The most common structural cause is lateral epicondylitis, or Tennis Elbow, which involves damage to the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the bone on the outer side of the elbow. This condition, which is a result of repetitive strain, is often described as sharp or burning and worsens with activities that involve gripping or twisting the arm.
Similarly, medial epicondylitis, known as Golfer’s Elbow, affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow where the wrist flexor muscles attach, and the pain can also manifest as a burning sensation. This condition is caused by excessive force used to bend the wrist toward the palm, common in activities like throwing or using hand tools. The burning sensation here is thought to be the body’s interpretation of severe inflammation and micro-tearing in the tendon tissue.
Another possibility is olecranon bursitis, which is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sac located directly over the bony point of the elbow. While typically associated with visible swelling and tenderness, the acute inflammation, warmth, and internal pressure from the fluid can be perceived as a deep, radiating burn. This inflammation is often triggered by a direct blow or prolonged pressure, such as frequently leaning on the elbow.
Superficial Skin and Acute Causes
Sometimes, the burning sensation is confined to the skin’s surface or the immediately underlying layers, pointing to acute external factors or a localized viral infection. Shingles, caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, is a specific cause of severe localized burning pain. The viral activity targets the sensory nerves, causing a painful, electrical-like burning or tingling on the skin, often several days before a rash even appears.
The shingles rash that follows typically presents as a painful, blistering cluster that is confined to one side of the body, potentially affecting the arm and elbow in a stripe-like pattern. Other superficial causes are less insidious and often visually identifiable, such as a localized acute trauma like a friction burn or scrape that has damaged the skin’s nerve endings. Contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction to substances like a new soap, lotion, or clothing detergent, can also cause a burning or itching sensation accompanied by localized redness or irritation.
Recognizing Serious Symptoms
While many causes of elbow burning are treatable with rest and conservative measures, certain accompanying symptoms should immediately prompt a professional medical evaluation. Sudden loss of strength, an inability to move or straighten the arm, or an obvious deformity suggests a severe structural injury, such as a fracture or dislocation. Any progressive neurological change, including rapidly worsening numbness or weakness extending beyond the elbow and down into the hand, requires urgent assessment to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Systemic signs of infection also represent a serious concern, particularly if the elbow pain is accompanied by a fever, chills, or rapidly increasing swelling, warmth, and redness. This combination of symptoms could indicate a joint infection, which needs immediate medical intervention.
If the pain is severe and disproportionate to any visible injury, seek medical attention. Consulting a qualified physician is necessary if the pain persists and worsens despite several days of rest and anti-inflammatory care, ensuring an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.