Many daily activities or sports activities require the arm to be used in a repeated movement. The repeated activity stresses the elbow joint and other tissues and may lead to irritation and inflammation. If this is not treated and the overuse continues, small tears (microtears) and tissue damage (especially to tendons) may develop. The following are examples of activities that may lead to an overuse injury.

• Bowling may cause biceps tendinopathy and affect the radial nerve.
• Boxing may cause triceps tendinopathy.
• Football, wrestling, or basketball may cause olecranon bursitis.
• Golf may cause golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis).
• Gymnastics may cause biceps or triceps tendinopathy.
• Racquet sports may cause triceps tendinopathy, tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and affect the radial and ulnar nerves.
• Rowing may affect the radial nerve.
• Skiing may affect the ulnar nerve.
• Swimming may affect the radial nerve.
• Throwing may cause triceps tendinopathy, golfer's elbow, or Little Leaguer's elbow in children and affects the ulnar nerve.
• Weight lifting may cause biceps or triceps tendinopathy and affects the radial and ulnar nerve.