Push-ups are a form of strength training that uses your own body mass to provide stress when lifting. Body mass training is generally regarded as a safer alternative to weightlifting because the stress placed on the bones and muscles is greatly reduced. But pain and injuries can still occur, particularly in joints such as the elbow. If you experience swelling during or shortly after a push-ups workout, there are a few possibilities as to what might have happened.
Identification
Swollen elbow joints become thicker and bulkier to varying degrees, depending on the amount of swelling. It's normal for the location to become red or purple as blood rushes to the elbow, and you're likely to experience some pain or discomfort. Once the swelling sets in, you may experience trouble utilizing the elbow joint to its full range of motion.
Short-Term Injury
Elbow bursitis is a common injury that can develop in the elbow. It occurs when the olecranon bursa sac becomes irritated and inflamed, causing fluid to build up in the bursa sac. This type of injury can occur because of trauma to the elbow or through prolonged pressure to the joint, and swelling also occurs if the bursa sac becomes infected. Bursitis is not a serious condition, but it can be painful and make it difficult to use your elbow as normal -- particularly when performing push-ups. Tendinitis and elbow sprains are other possible causes for swelling, according to FamilyDoctor.org, although they are easily healed over time.
Other Problems
Arthritic joints commonly develop inflammation and swelling, particularly if they are aggravated or injured. Push-ups are a healthy form of exercise for joints because they provide necessary stress to the location, but the pressure also increases your odds of some local swelling. Swelling can also signal a fracture in the elbow, including small hairline fractures that are not visible without X-rays.
Considerations
If swelling is accompanied by pain, give your elbow a few days rest from exercise to allow healing. Minor problems such as sprains and bursitis can heal on their own, and tendinitis can be greatly improved with some time away from stress on the elbow. If pain persists for several days even if you aren't active, it's recommended you visit a doctor to determine what the exact cause of your swelling is. If you have a fracture, you will likely need some treatment to the elbow and may need to immobilize it during healing.
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