When to Worry About Locked Elbows After Pull-Ups: A 21-Year-Old's Experience
Hello, doctors! I recently engaged in a pull-up session of moderate intensity this past Monday, and while I felt fantastic during the workout, I was left unable to fully extend my arms once it finished. As of today, Friday, I still find myself unable to straighten them. There's some slight swelling in my left arm, which is the one that feels more sore, but I’m not experiencing any bruising. I've been ensuring I'm well-hydrated, and my urine remains clear. My previous encounter with rhabdomyolysis featured brown urine, which leads me to believe that this episode may not be rhabdo. Additionally, I've felt a bit more fatigued and thirsty than usual over the last day, although I’m uncertain if that’s related. With several years of CrossFit training under my belt—and even some competition experience—this is a first for me. Could this merely be a case of intense post-exercise muscle soreness? Is rhabdo still a possibility? Are there other conditions to consider? While I'd prefer not to seek medical attention for something as simple as soreness, I definitely don’t want to overlook a potential serious issue. Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 5:35:10 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've had a challenging experience with your recent pull-up workout. Based on what you’ve shared, it’s important to consider both the possibility of intense post-exercise muscle soreness, known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and ensure that there are no underlying issues that need attention.
Explanation: After intense workouts, especially if they involve unfamiliar movements or increased intensity, it is common to experience temporary muscle tightness, soreness, and swelling. This can limit movement, but it typically resolves within a few days. Rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition that can arise from extreme physical exertion, usually presents with other symptoms like significant muscle pain, weakness, and brown urine due to muscle breakdown. Since you’re well-hydrated and don’t have the hallmark of dark urine, it seems less likely.
However, the swelling and persistent inability to fully extend your arms warrant attention. It's important to monitor how you're feeling overall and ensure there are no signs of severe complications like significant pain, swelling, or any neurological symptoms.
Next Steps:
- Rest and Recovery: Allow your muscles to recover by avoiding strenuous activities that involve your arms for a few days.
- Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes on and off to reduce swelling. Ensure you do this every couple of hours.
- Gentle Stretching: After a couple of days, if the swelling reduces, incorporate gentle stretching to improve mobility. Focus on range-of-motion exercises without forcing it.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Continue staying well-hydrated and ensure you’re getting proper nutrition, especially protein, to aid muscle recovery.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms. If the swelling persists beyond a few more days, if pain increases, or if you develop any new symptoms (like persistent fatigue, weakness, or fever), it would be wise to seek medical advice promptly.
You’re doing a great job listening to your body. Rest and care are crucial now to help you recover effectively. If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!
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