When you work out with heavy weights, you place a lot of stress on your muscles and joints. This can cause a condition called tendonitis in the shoulder or elbow. This condition is easy to treat but can become serious if allowed to progress.
Definition
The tendons connect the muscles to your bones. When you use the same muscles over and over again, as you do when lifting weights, you can develop tendonitis, an inflammation or tearing of the tendons, causing pain and soreness upon movement.
Weight-Related Causes
In some cases, arm tendonitis can occur suddenly. For instance, if you lift a weight that is much too heavy for you or make too sudden of a movement, the tendon can suffer a small tear, leading to immediate tendonitis. This condition is much more likely to occur numerous repetitions of the same exercise, day in and day out. Using heavy weights for bicep curls or bench presses every day can lead to overuse of the tendons and pain.
Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the injury. For instance, if you just developed pain in a tendon in your shoulder or elbow but cease activity immediately, it will likely heal on its own. Minor pain associated with tendonitis can be treated with rest and ice. If the area is swollen, anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve the inflammation and swelling. In serious cases where the tendon has ruptured, surgery is required, MayoClinic.com states.
Prevention
You can reduce the risk of lifting heavy weights by taking proper precautions. Do at least 10 minutes of cardiovascular activity to warm up your muscles and stretch after lifting weights. When doing deadlifts, squat lifts or other taxing lifts, use belts on your wrists and back. If you are new to lifting, seek out the guidance of a fitness or personal trainer to teach you proper technique.
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