Is It Safe for Me to Return to the Gym? (17M)
I’ll share the full story to clarify my situation. My primary aim is to return to the gym, which has been a significant hurdle for me. For approximately three months, I’ve been experiencing numbness in the right side of my palm, particularly around the pinky and the area below it. This is due to a diagnosis indicating swelling and irregular soft tissue near the left ulnar nerve within the cubital tunnel. Initially, I consulted a general practitioner (GP), who advised me to refrain from gym workouts for about a month, along with wearing a wrist brace. After that month passed, with no alleviation of the symptoms, I sought a second opinion from a different doctor. He pointed out that the brace previously recommended was unsuitable and suggested I actually needed one for my elbow instead. His advice was to either wear the new brace for a month or consider receiving a steroid injection, guided by an ultrasound. He preferred the injection route, stating it would likely relieve my symptoms in a few days, allowing me to gradually return to the gym, provided I was cautious with tricep exercises. He implied that I could continue gym visits during this period but needed to modify my elbow and tricep movements while focusing on maintaining proper technique. Recently, I had the steroid (cortisone) injection, and although the numbness persists a bit, the medical staff reassured me that this is typical. They recommended a period of 48 hours of rest afterward, which I have adhered to. Now, I’m eager to know if I’m cleared to hit the gym again and start lifting weights. P.S. Feel free to ask if you have any further questions for me!
Answers (1)
6/22/2025, 1:50:36 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to see your determination to return to the gym after dealing with your recent health concerns. The situation with your ulnar nerve issue can be complex, and it’s important to approach your return to exercise carefully.
Main Points:
- You can likely return to the gym gradually, but modifications are crucial.
- Prioritize rest and listen to your body to avoid exacerbating your symptoms.
- Focus on exercises that don’t strain your elbow until you regain full strength and sensation.
Explanation:
You've been dealing with numbness due to ulnar nerve irritation, which can affect your grip and strength, particularly involving the pinky side of your hand. Following the recent cortisone injection, it’s common to still have some lingering symptoms for a short time. However, your doctor’s advice to modify your routine is key to preventing further irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Rest and Recovery: Since you've just had a steroid injection, respect the recommended 48 hours of rest. After that, begin with light, non-strenuous activities to gauge your comfort level.
-
Modify Your Workouts: When you return, avoid heavy tricep or elbow-intensive exercises initially. Focus on low-impact activities and strength training that minimizes strain on the affected area. This can include:
- Lower body workouts (like squats and lunges).
- Core exercises.
- Upper body workouts that don’t heavily involve the elbow, like seated rows or shoulder presses with very light weights.
-
Pay Attention to Symptoms: Monitor how your body responds. If numbness increases or you experience pain, it’s important to stop that activity and consult your doctor.
-
Technique Focus: As you resume working out, concentrate on proper form and techniques, avoiding jerky or sudden movements that could stress your elbow.
-
Gradual Progression: Slowly increase intensity and weights as you feel more comfortable. Listen to your body and adjust your workouts accordingly.
Feel free to reach out if you have any further concerns or need clarification on specific exercises. Prioritizing your health while working toward your fitness goals is essential!
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