Elbow pain during weightlifting is common, often caused by improper lifting form, tendonitis, muscle strains, overuse, or arthritis. Proper conditioning and form, as well as medical treatment, can help prevent and manage pain.
Elbow pain when lifting weights is a fairly common condition, especially among novice weightlifters who have not yet mastered proper weightlifting movements. The pain can occur on either side of the elbow, and will vary in intensity depending on how much lifting has been done and how effective it is. Tendonitis can also cause elbow pain, and this inflammation of the tendons can recur, especially if the lifter doesn’t take steps to improve their lifting motion. Jerky, jerky movements while lifting can exacerbate tendonitis and other causes of pain.
Muscle strains can lead to elbow pain when lifting weights, and like tendonitis, this condition is often caused by an unnatural or uneven lifting motion. A muscle strain occurs when the tiny fibers that make up a muscle begin to tear, causing pain and inflammation. A strain will usually heal on its own after several days or weeks, although in more severe cases, a visit to a medical professional may be in order. If the pain persists after several days or weeks, or if the pain worsens, the muscle may have torn, which is a much more serious problem that may need to be remedied with surgery.
Overuse of the arm muscles can also contribute to elbow pain. Even the most fit lifters can feel this soreness when they first start lifting heavier weights, or when they start doing more reps than usual. Muscles will get tired, and when this happens they tend to tighten up. This tension can lead to discomfort, limited mobility, and a feeling of weakness throughout the arm. If the lifting motion was not performed correctly to begin with, fatigued muscles are more likely to strain or tear. Proper conditioning and preparation can prevent such pain, and the use of proper arm supports when executing the lifts can ensure smooth and proper movement.
A more serious and permanent condition that can cause elbow pain while lifting weights is arthritis, which occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint begins to wear away. This can be a painful condition, and unfortunately there is no cure. Most treatments focus on pain management, and lifters with arthritis should be aware of how the lifting exercises they perform affect joint breakdown. Conditioning exercises and specific medications can help slow the progress of this condition.
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