Seeking Medical Guidance for Persistent Elbow Pain After Weightlifting
It's been approximately 14 months since I first experienced this elbow pain, a result of an injury from weightlifting. To provide some background: I was performing dumbbell bench presses while lying on the floor. Prior to the injury, I had been focusing on contracting my chest muscles as intensely as possible and executing each repetition at a slow tempo. I was lifting around 75% to 80% of my one-rep max, completing only 3 to 5 reps in each set, and going through about 4 to 5 sets. Afterward, I would do a backoff set, using half of my working weight, again isolating just the pecs and avoiding any engagement of my triceps or shoulders. After around 8 sessions of this training method, I began to notice a grinding sensation in my tendons. I continued this routine for about 4 additional sessions over a span of approximately 3 months. During my last workout—where I ultimately decided to pause my weightlifting—the pain in my elbow tendon became quite severe, to the point where it felt as though it was going to give way—not in a rupture, but rather like the sound made when cracking a knuckle. Since then, it has been more than a year since I’ve engaged in any pressing exercises. I intend to consult a physician regarding this issue, as it appears to be a long-term problem. I’m reaching out here to seek advice on the type of doctor I should approach. It’s likely that I’ll require surgery, with hopes that some light rehabilitation will suffice afterward. However, I'm uncertain about where to start—should I see a general practitioner first? I currently do not have one, so would I need to book an appointment with a GP? Alternatively, is it acceptable to visit an emergency room at a hospital? What steps should I take to receive the assistance I need? My limited experience with healthcare facilities is evident (not from a desire to be stoic in the face of pain, but rather due to financial constraints). Therefore, I’m unsure of how to navigate this situation effectively. Thank you for your guidance, and yes, I recognize the need to alter my training approach if I decide to return to weightlifting. P.S.: I should mention this inquiry is relevant in the context of the United States.
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 5:01:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've been dealing with persistent elbow pain for quite some time, which understandably raises concerns about your health and future in weightlifting. The grinding sensation and pain you describe suggest that this could be related to a tendon issue, such as tendinopathy, which is not uncommon after repetitive stress, especially in weightlifting.
Explanation:
Elbow pain following a weightlifting injury can stem from various issues, including tendon strain, inflammation, or even damage to the tendon itself. These types of injuries can take time to heal, especially when they involve chronic pain lasting over a year. Your acknowledgment of needing to adjust your training approach is an important first step towards recovery, regardless of the specific treatment you may eventually choose.
Next Steps:
-
Choose the Right Doctor: Given the nature and duration of your elbow pain, the best starting point is an orthopedic specialist, particularly one who focuses on sports medicine and injuries. You can often find such specialists directly, without needing a referral from a general practitioner (GP).
-
Schedule an Appointment: If you don’t have a GP, go ahead and contact a sports medicine or orthopedic clinic directly. Explain your situation and ask if they can see you as a new patient. Many specialists can assess and manage your condition without prior GP visits.
-
Consider Imaging: Be prepared that the doctor may suggest imaging studies, such as an X-ray or an MRI, to better understand the underlying issue with your elbow. These evaluations can help plan appropriate treatment, which might include physical therapy, lifestyle adjustments, or, in some cases, surgery if indicated.
-
Explore Financial Assistance: Since you mentioned financial constraints, it might be beneficial to inquire about payment plans, sliding-scale fees, or community health clinics that offer orthopedic services at reduced rates.
-
Rehabilitate Gradually: Once diagnosed, focus on following the prescribed rehabilitation exercises or modifications to allow your elbow to heal properly before returning to weightlifting.
Taking these steps will help you navigate your healthcare options effectively. Remember, prioritizing your elbow health is essential for your long-term fitness and well-being. Please reach out if you need further clarification or information on specific treatment options later on.
Related Questions
A Mysterious Illness That Resembles Strep Throat
As an 18-year-old college student, standing at 5'4" and weighing 140 pounds, I maintain an active lifestyle. I do not smoke or have any preexisting health issues, aside from the vitamins and supplements I take daily. Approximately five days ago, I began to feel unusually fatigued and achy. Within just a day, my symptoms escalated to include a high fever reaching between 101°F and 102°F that ibuprofen couldn’t seem to alleviate. I experienced extreme tiredness that kept me bedridden all day, along with a persistent headache and intense throat pain, which was compounded by swollen lymph nodes and the familiar white patches often associated with strep throat. Having dealt with strep throat before, I recognized a need for antibiotics. Two days into feeling unwell, I visited an urgent care facility for an assessment and received a rapid strep test, which unfortunately came back negative. I recalled a previous incident where my rapid strep test also indicated a false negative, only for the culture sent for further testing to confirm the presence of strep bacteria. Given my symptoms and the findings from the examination, the healthcare provider prescribed Cefdinir, as I am allergic to amoxicillin, despite the negative rapid test results. The antibiotics proved effective, and I felt nearly back to normal, leading me to believe that my culture results would also come back positive for strep, suggesting a recurrence of my previous infection. However, I received the culture results yesterday, and to my surprise, they came back negative for strep. While I lack medical expertise, I’ve been led to believe that false negatives in cultures are exceedingly rare. Now, I find myself puzzled about what kind of bacterial infection I might have had if it wasn’t strep. Any insights or information regarding my situation would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Bleeding Concerns with IUD and Yeast Infection Treatment
I’m a 20-year-old female, standing at 5’4” and weighing 155 pounds. Hello everyone! Approximately three weeks ago, I had the Kyleena IUD placed, and everything felt fine afterward—I can still feel the strings. I noticed some mild spotting that was brown for about a week, followed by my menstrual period, then continued with light spotting. Recently, I suspect that I might have developed a yeast infection, which I am currently addressing using Monistat 7. I applied the first dose yesterday. To clarify, I am certain that I am not dealing with a sexually transmitted infection. However, I’ve observed an increase in bleeding, significantly more than what I’ve experienced before. The blood appears to be light red, and I would compare the amount to the lightest day of my period. I could comfortably go an entire day without needing to change my pad, though I still do it for hygiene reasons. Is this a common occurrence? Most of the bleeding took place this morning after I woke up, coinciding with the Monistat cream leaving my body. Under what circumstances should I seek medical advice regarding this issue instead of waiting to see how the treatment progresses?
Chronic Joint Pain Since Childhood
Since I was eight years old, I’ve endured intense and persistent pain in my joints. Initially, the discomfort was primarily in my knees, characterized by a sharp sensation right beneath the kneecap. As someone on the autism spectrum, I often visualize a strange, soothing thought: the idea of removing my kneecap and using an ice cream scoop to relieve the pressure underneath it. My parents sought help from several medical professionals, all of whom attributed my symptoms to growing pains. I even underwent cancer screenings at the age of nine because doctors felt my level of discomfort was excessive for mere growing pains. At school, I frequently had to wear dual knee braces. When I turned 14, I had a CT scan, but the results were inconclusive; doctors continued to insist it was just growing pains. At 18, I had an X-ray that also revealed nothing abnormal. Now at 20, my joint pain persists and is progressively worsening. My hands now ache in addition to my knees, and on particularly bad days, the pain radiates down to my ankles, making walking and sleeping almost impossible for half the week. The discomfort has entirely hindered my ability to work. My family and I strongly suspect that I may have some form of arthritis, but I struggle to convince the medical community of this due to my young age. My father, who suffers from arthritis himself, often empathizes when I express my pain, telling me, "that sounds familiar." I have broken down in front of numerous doctors, pleading for assistance, yet I consistently leave without answers, only to be scheduled for more scans that come back normal. The medical care I have received thus far has been far from satisfactory; for instance, I was prescribed eye drops that nearly resulted in serious damage to my vision when I consulted an eye specialist. This is just one of many frustrating experiences I’ve faced. I feel completely overwhelmed and in agony, and I have no way to reach out for specialized medical help since my only means of transportation is my father, who is also afflicted by arthritis. I feel lost and in deep pain without a clear path forward.
Seeking Guidance on Persistent Chest Discomfort After Extensive Testing
I'm a 43-year-old male, standing at 5'11" and weighing 180 pounds. My journey began around March to April of 2025 when, despite regularly hitting the gym four times a week, I was struck by severe chest pain along with frequent belching and a tight feeling in my diaphragm. At times, the pain became so intense that I feared it might be a heart attack. **Medical History:** In May 2019, I received a diagnosis of **PVS** and have since been under the care of a cardiac electrophysiologist. Upon experiencing these new symptoms, I consulted my EP, who conducted an EKG right then and set me up with a 7-day heart monitor. The results showed no irregularities. Subsequently, I was directed to a cardiologist, who carried out both a **stress test** and an **echocardiogram**, both of which yielded normal findings. Afterward, I returned to my primary care physician, who speculated that my gallbladder might be involved. An **ultrasound** was performed but revealed no issues. I then requested a **chest X-ray**, which also came back normal. My PCP then considered the possibility of a **hiatal hernia** and referred me to a gastroenterologist; unfortunately, that appointment took almost **five months** to materialize. In the meantime, my symptoms persisted, prompting me to cease weightlifting and switch my focus to **cardio and running**. Surprisingly, these activities didn’t exacerbate my symptoms, though the chest pain remained constant. When I finally saw the gastroenterologist, they suggested an **upper endoscopy**, which took another roughly three months to arrange. During this procedure, I was diagnosed with **Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)**, a condition I had not previously experienced. The doctors also placed a pH monitoring device for acid reflux assessment, which indicated **no unusual acid exposure**. Following this, I began a treatment plan that included a swallowed steroid inhaler and an increased dosage of **omeprazole**. Sixty days later, I underwent another endoscopy, which showed that the EOE had largely resolved, with minimal residual symptoms. Unfortunately, my chest discomfort persisted without any improvement. It has now been about **a year** since these issues emerged, and I still have not found substantial relief. A recent chest MRI completed at a dedicated imaging center revealed no abnormalities. I entertained the idea of **costochondritis**, but again, the MRI did not support that hypothesis. The only minor relief I find comes from consciously pulling my shoulders back and expanding my chest. I continue to experience discomfort around my **diaphragm** and tenderness in the area of the **xiphoid process**. My PCP prescribed a steroid pack, which was somewhat beneficial for the pain but failed to alleviate the pressure or constant discomfort. At this juncture, I feel quite lost and uncertain about my next steps. I would greatly appreciate any insights or experiences from others who have faced similar issues. Additionally, if there are any physicians here willing to offer advice, I am open to traveling to find the answers or relief I'm desperately seeking.
Understanding Mild Uncomplicated Diverticular Disease
I am a 29-year-old female, standing at 5'7" and weighing 130 pounds. Recently, a CT scan revealed that I have mild diverticulitis. About a week ago, I experienced significant discomfort, particularly in the pelvic region, along with pain in my right leg and hip, and some mild discomfort on the left side. After undergoing a CT scan, which confirmed the presence of mild diverticular disease, I was surprised that no one from my medical team provided any follow-up or acknowledged the condition. My blood tests returned normal results, and I was discharged without further information. While the pain subsided after about three days, it has unfortunately reappeared four days later. Is this something I should be worried about? What does this mean for me? I had a colonoscopy around 11 months ago, which indicated no issues.