Repeatedly lifting heavy weights can put a lot of strain on the tendons and ligaments around your elbows, which can result in a myriad of painful and debilitating conditions. Exercise daily, take time to stretch muscles throughout the day, intersperse repetitive exercises with nonrepetitive ones and drink plenty of fluids to decrease your chances of suffering overuse injuries, says the University of Iowa Healthcare and Clinics website. See a doctor if you have any persistent pain.
Tennis Elbow
Contrary to its name, tennis elbow does not only affect those who play tennis, but also many other people who make repetitive elbow movements. If you feel pain on or around the elbow when straightening the fingers or bending back the hand, you may have tennis elbow, says the Sports Injury Clinic.
Tendinosis
When you repeatedly flex your elbow and rotate your forearm, you risk suffering biceps or triceps tendinosis. Your doctor should be able to diagnose these with a physical examination, but if osteoarthritis is complicating matters, a radiograph may show calcifications or swelling around the bone.
Anterior Capsule Strain
Repetitive hyperextension of the elbow may lead to strain in the ligaments. Avoid this by never fully straightening your arm, especially when lifting heavy weights, and by making slow, smooth movements. Anterior capsule strain may lead to a torn brachailis muscle, which may in turn cause calcifications to occur in the muscle. Your doctor should order a radiograph to check for this.
Radial Tunnel Syndrome
This uncommon condition occurs when you repeatedly compress your radial nerve. Pain radiates into the forearm, and may increase when lifting weights. For diagnosis, your doctor may inject you with lidocaine.
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Pain in the middle of your elbow may be due to a trapped nerve. It may lead to weakness and clumsiness in the hand, and while your doctor may use electrodiagnostic tests to diagnose, they may not be sensitive enough, so persevere if you feel this is your problem.
Treatment
Regardless of the exact nature of your injury, to treat it, rest and protect the affected area, use ice to inhibit the swelling and keep it elevated when possible. Physical therapy and medication may also help, but speak to your healthcare provider about this.
