Lifting weight can stress muscles, tendons and ligaments of the elbow joint. This pain can occur on the inside, outside or on the back of the elbow and can range from a nuisance to severe pain. Elbow pain while lifting weights can be the result of bad lifting technique or using too much weight.
Types
The elbow is subject to several different types of overuse injuries that can cause elbow pain. According to Idea Fit, lateral and medial epicondylitis, both commonly referred to as tennis elbow or golf elbow, are types of tendinitis that are the result of repetitive microtrauma and degeneration of the extensor tendons of the elbow. Bursitis is an inflammation of the connective joint tissue structure that surrounds the elbow joint.
Causes
The injuries that lead to elbow pain when lifting weights can be the result of repetitive movements that inflame elbow tissues. Chronic overload of these tissues during weightlifting can aggravate pre-existing conditions. If you have a muscular imbalance between the biceps muscle and triceps muscles, it can lead to weakness in the elbow tendons. You can worsen a traumatic injury to the elbow, such as a hyperextension of the joint, by lifting weights before you are properly healed.
Treatment
When you first have elbow pain while lifting weights, follow the RICE protocol. Rest the elbow and take a break from performing weight lifts that focus on the elbow joint. Apply ice to the area for the first 48 hours, using a schedule that requires you to ice the elbow for 20 minutes with a 20-minute break before re-icing the area to help reduce inflammation. You may apply a compression bandage to the area to assist in controlling swelling. When seated, elevate the elbow to above heart level. You can use a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen.
Prevention
You can prevent elbow pain when lifting weights by following a couple guidelines. Stretch your arm and warm up before beginning a strenuous workout session. Use proper lifting technique when lifting weights and try using wider grips or different weightlifting equipment handles to decrease the stress on the extensor and flexor tendons of the elbow. Reduce the amount of weight lifted and decrease the range of motion in the exercise.
