Weight lifting has many benefits in addition to increased strength and endurance, such as increased metabolism, decreased blood pressure, weight maintenance, and increased bone mass. Unfortunately, there are also downsides to weight lifting -- most notably, joint pain. The elbow joint is one at risk for injury due to improper form and over-lifting. People who suffer from arthritis may also find that their condition is made worse by some exercises.
Anatomy
The elbow joint joins the humerus to the ulna and the radius. The elbow is a hinge joint, which means that it works like a hinge. In addition to the hinge, there is also a joint at the end of the radius where it meets the humerus, which allows the radius to rotate, and lets you turn your hand palm-down and palm-up. Within the joints are cartilage, which cushion the ends of the bones to protect them from rubbing damage. The elbow contains several ligaments which may be damaged during a fracture or dislocation of the elbow. There are several tendons within the elbow. The biceps tendon attaches the biceps muscle to the radius. The triceps tendon attaches the triceps muscle to the ulna. In addition to these, there is the medial epicondyle tendon, which combines all the muscles that bend the fingers and wrist and joins into the elbow at the humerus, and the lateral epicondyle, which combines the muscles from the forearm that straighten the fingers and wrist.
Strains
Muscle strains, which occur when there are miniscule tears in the muscle or tendon, are extremely painful but usually heal with several days' or weeks' rest and ice protocol. These strains occur when a sudden heavy lifting, or over-lifting with too-heavy weight. Treat with the R.I.C.E protocol -- rest, ice, compression and elevation. Severe strains may require surgery.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, causes pain at the interior aspect of the elbow, on the forearm. It is caused by inflammation of the medial epicondyle tendon. Not just for golfers, this golfer's elbow causes pain for people who bend their wrists and clench their fingers. People who lift weights are prone to this injury, particularly if the wrist is not held straight. Minor cases may be treated with the R.I.C.E protocol. Some people have had success with ultrasound therapy.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylytis, is inflammation of the lateral epicondyle tendon, at the outside of the elbow joint. Weight lifters who overdo the dumbbell biceps curls are prone to this injury, since it is caused by extending the wrist against force. Tennis elbow pain should be treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Physical therapy treatment, which may involve ultrasound treatments, may also be successful.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Arthritis
- Mayo Clinic: Golfer's Elbow
- Sportsinjuryclinic.net: Tennis Elbow
- "Bodybuilding Anatomy"; Nick Evans; 2007
- "Strength Training Anatomy"; Frederic Delavier; 2006
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