Elbow Pain When Applying Force: Seeking Advice
Greetings! I'm a 34-year-old male, weighing 350 pounds and standing at 5'11". I wanted to begin by mentioning that I've been experiencing injuries at the gym on and off recently, which I attribute to both my weight and the heavy lifting involved. For over a year, I've struggled with a shoulder injury that hasn't improved. Currently, my primary concern revolves around my right elbow, which has started to cause me significant discomfort without a clear explanation for its sudden onset. For the past few weeks, it has been quite painful, particularly when I bump it against something or exert pressure. For instance, while writing this, I feel no discomfort at all. However, if I attempt to stand by pushing off the armrests of my chair, the strain through my arm results in intense pain at the elbow. Similarly, performing an exercise like a push-up creates substantial discomfort in the same area due to the force applied. I visited my doctor nearly two weeks ago and underwent a couple of X-rays, which returned normal results. The doctor didn’t provide me with any recommendations for managing the pain and simply sent me home. Even standard bench pressing with either a barbell or dumbbell triggers enough force that it aggravates the pain in my elbow. I'm at a loss regarding potential solutions or treatments for this issue. I'm unsure how to communicate my situation effectively to a physiotherapist if I decide to pursue assistance in that direction.
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 11:40:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort in your right elbow, especially when applying force, which is impacting your activities and workouts. Given your history of shoulder injury and the recent problems with your elbow, it’s important to address this thoughtfully.
Understanding Your Symptoms
The pain you're feeling when applying pressure or during specific movements might be linked to conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, or possibly an overuse injury, especially since you've been lifting heavy weights. Even though your X-rays came back normal, soft tissue injuries may not always be visible on imaging.
Next Steps for Management
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Rest and Modify Activities: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, such as heavy lifting, push-ups, or using armrests to push yourself up. Instead, focus on lower-impact exercises that do not involve the elbow until it feels better.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to your elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and manage pain. Be sure to use a cloth or towel to protect your skin.
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Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking over-the-counter pain relief medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the recommended dosage on the label, to help alleviate the discomfort.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: When the pain decreases, begin with gentle stretching of the forearm and elbow. Gradually introduce strengthening exercises, focusing on your wrist and forearm muscles to support your elbow joint.
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Seek Physiotherapy: If your symptoms continue or worsen, a physiotherapist could provide tailored exercises and rehabilitation strategies. When you consult with them, describe:
- The exact location and nature of your pain.
- Activities that provoke the pain.
- Previous shoulder injury details.
This information will help them tailor a program for you.
- Monitor and Adjust: Make a note of any activities that cause discomfort, the intensity of pain, and how long the discomfort lasts. This can be very helpful for both your understanding and when discussing with a healthcare provider.
If you experience severe or increasing pain, swelling, or other symptoms like numbness or weakness, consider seeking further medical evaluation.
Final Thoughts
Be patient with your healing process as injuries can take time to recover, especially with your active lifestyle. Taking these steps can help mitigate pain and promote recovery, enabling you to return to your activities safely. Let me know if you have further questions!
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