While cycling is a low-impact exercise, this does not mean you cannot experience injuries, aches and pains after cycling. Your elbow joint is no exception -- stress placed on the elbow joint from your position on the handlebars can cause inflammation that leads to pain and weakness in the joint. Because the muscles of your forearm and upper arm connect to the elbow, inflammation can cause problems that extend beyond your elbow.
Causes
You may experience elbow pain when cycling because of improper arm position. If your elbows are held in a straight and locked position, this can put too much stress on the muscles that connect to the elbow joint. Also, if you are an outdoor cyclist, keeping your arms too straight can affect your ability to absorb shock as you ride over bumps that are part of your route's terrain. Putting too much weight on your handlebars, which can tax the elbow joint, is a common mistake for new cyclists. This can cause disorders like tendonitis or tendon or muscle rupture.
Prevention
You can prevent elbow pain from cycling by having an evaluation with a bike fit specialist. An improperly fitted bicycle can contribute to poor riding position that places extra stress on your elbow joint. The fit specialist may recommend changing the handlebars or seat position for a more comfortable fit. In addition to adjusting the fit, do regular stretching and strengthening exercises. Exercises, such as stretching your arm across your chest, flexing and pointing your wrists and stretching your hands behind your back, can help relieve muscle tension. Strengthening exercises can boost muscle power that connects to the elbow joint, helping support your elbow and wrist joint while you ride your bicycle.
Treatment
When you conclude your cycling session and experience elbow pain, you may wish to ice the affected elbow to reduce inflammation. Taking an anti-inflammatory medication also can help reduce redness and swelling. Rest the elbow for a while by refraining from cycling until the pain has subsided. Continuing to perform stretching and strengthening exercises can help treat the underlying conditions that result in elbow pain.
Warning
In some instances, your elbow pain after cycling can indicate a more serious condition. Symptoms that warrant further treatment include continued and worsening numbness and tingling in your arm or difficulty gripping objects. This can indicate injury to the muscles that interfere with your ability to perform everyday activities. If your symptoms have not improved six to 12 months after they appear, surgery may be recommended.
