Elbow pain can occur during exercise, especially when you participate in those that place a tremendous amount of stress on your arms -- including weightlifting or completing pushups. Elbow pain may also occur if you participate in sports like tennis or baseball for physical activity. Most elbow pain caused by exercising is the result of overuse; if you experience persistent pain, take a break and contact your doctor.
Causes of Elbow Pain
Tendinitis is a common cause of elbow pain in adults. Tendinitis is an inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach muscle to bone, and the pain is likely to increase as you continue to participate in exercise and decrease with rest. Elbow pain may also be because by bursitis, the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs -- bursa-- that allow for the smooth movements of your joint. When a bursa is inflamed, your joints are unable to move as freely. Other reasons for elbow pain include an elbow strain, dislocation, inflammation of your triceps or biceps or a nerve entrapment.
RICE Method
If you experience elbow pain that only occurs during participation in exercise, you can try to treat it at home using the RICE method. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. At the onset of pain, discontinue exercise, rest and begin the application of ice for 15 minutes of each hour the first day and then every three to four hours for the next couple of days. You should never apply ice directly to your skin. Also compress your elbow using an elastic bandage -- this can help to reduce swelling. Elevation is also important. Try to keep your elbow resting above your heart as much as possible for a couple of days. Do not return to exercise until you are pain free.
Persistent Elbow Pain
If your elbow pain does not subside with home care or continues for more than a few days, visit a doctor. You should also do so if you experience a traumatic injury to your elbow -- this will occur suddenly and likely cause a lot of pain. Your doctor will perform a medical history and a thorough physical examination to make a diagnosis. Imaging tests may also be conducted to confirm a diagnosis or to determine the severity of an elbow injury. The treatment largely depends on the condition diagnosed. It may include rest, immobilization, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and, as a last resort, surgery.
Prevention
While traumatic elbow injuries are often unforeseeable and cannot be prevented, overuse injuries can be. Stretching is very important in preventing elbow injuries. You should always stretch your forearm, upper arm and wrist before and following participation in exercise. Stretching can help loosen your muscles, tendons and ligaments, which will reduce your risk of injury. If you have had previous elbow injuries, you can opt to use an elbow sleeve, which can help reduce pain and prevent further injury.
References
- MedLine Plus: Elbow Pain
- Sports Injury Clinic: Elbow Pain
- "NASM: Essentials of Personal Fitness Training"; 2008
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