The elbow, like any joint, is susceptible to a variety of injuries. Many common problems arise from overuse or strain of the elbow. Weightlifting involves repetitive movement and puts pressure on the structure of the joint. You can reduce the risk of injury by using proper technique when working out. Once elbow pain develops, treatment would include refraining for lifting until the damage can heal. If the pain is minor, home care will probably suffice, but for serious discomfort and chronic pain, consult your doctor to determine the nature of your elbow problem.
The Elbow
MayoClinic.com describes the elbow as a complex structure that enables the forearm to rotate and allows the arm to bend. Pain in this joint can occur with overuse. If you lift weights, you might work out too frequently or use incorrect technique with too much weight. The injury could also come from a combination of activities, such as weightlifting and playing tennis. The elbow consists of tendons that connect muscle to the bone and ligaments that attach the bones together. Any one of these components can suffer damage and cause pain.
Sprain
One common injury that might occur when lifting weights is a sprain. Improper lifting can cause tears to form in ligaments. Symptoms of an elbow sprain include pain, bruising or swelling, and you may feel a snap as you lift the weight, according to MayoClinic.com. Sprains are not normally dangerous. Place ice on the elbow as soon as possible. This will help reduce swelling and pain. Continue using the ice every two or three hours for the first two days. If movement causes pain, use a sling or brace to immobilize the arm. You should not try to lift weights again until the elbow heals. If the pain is intense or if ice does not help, it is time to see your doctor.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis in the elbow is often referred to as tennis elbow, but it can happen with any sport or exercise. As with many injuries to the elbow, tendonitis occurs due to repeated action. The repetition is not exclusive to the elbow; movement of the hand and arm can contribute to tennis elbow. Elbow tendonitis reduces the strength in the entire arm. You may have trouble picking things up or holding something in your hand. You will certainly have problems lifting a weight with the injured arm. If you suspect you have tennis elbow, stop lifting and allow the tendons to heal. Use ice and over-the-counter pain relievers to reduce discomfort. You may want to consider a brace or wrap on the elbow to reinforce it in the future and prevent a chronic problem.
Bursitis
A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that lies in the heart of a joint to cushion the bone from friction. Without bursa, the ends of the bones would become worn and frayed. When bursas become inflamed, this is referred to as bursitis. The back and forth movement of weightlifting can cumulatively wear on the bursa and cause inflammation. Another possible cause for bursitis is trauma to the arm, such as dropping a weight or hitting it accidentally. Symptoms include a prominent swelling on the elbow. Drugs.com refers to this as a "goose-egg" over the joint. The lump would be tender, and you would have difficulty bending the arm. The skin may also feel hot. Treat bursitis the same way you would a sprain --- with ice and rest. Keep your arm elevated above your heart to decrease swelling. Some forms of bursitis can arise from infection. If the elbow does not seem to be healing, have a doctor examine it.
