Experiencing Sudden Elbow Pain During Push Exercises
Good afternoon, I have recently noticed a sudden, intense pain in my left elbow while performing push exercises. This discomfort began just two days ago, and I’ve had to halt my push routines entirely because of it. Engaging primarily in calisthenics, I often incorporate push-ups, dips, and archer push-ups into my workouts. It is specifically at the lowest point of these movements that I feel a sharp pain. I suspect it may be related to a tendon injury, though I’m not entirely certain of the cause. Interestingly, I don’t experience any discomfort when I’m resting or inactive. Additionally, pulling exercises such as pull-ups or inverted rows do not seem to provoke any pain. For context, I've recently begun performing unassisted archer push-ups and dips. I’m trying to figure out the best approach to manage this situation and would appreciate any advice.
Answers (1)
12/17/2025, 9:30:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've encountered a sudden and concerning issue with your elbow that affects your ability to perform push exercises. The pain you describe, especially during the lowest point of your movements, could indeed be related to a tendon or muscular injury due to the recent increase in the intensity of your workouts.
Explanation
Given that you've recently started doing unassisted archer push-ups and dips, this may have placed additional strain on the muscles, tendons, and joints surrounding your elbow. The fact that you only experience pain during specific exercises and not at rest suggests that it might be a mechanical issue rather than a chronic or systemic condition like arthritis.
Next Steps
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Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Immediately stop all push exercises that provoke the pain to allow your elbow to recover. This includes push-ups, dips, and any similar movements. Give your elbow a break for at least a few days.
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Ice the Affected Area: Apply ice to the elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day. This can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
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Gentle Stretching and Mobility Work: Once you are pain-free at rest, begin gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain mobility in your elbow. Avoid any movements that cause pain.
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Gradual Return to Exercise: After a few days of rest and if the pain subsides, you can gradually reintroduce movements that do not elicit discomfort. Start with lower intensity before returning to full strength exercises, focusing on form to avoid re-injury.
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Consider a Modification in Your Routine: As you progress, consider incorporating variations of exercises that minimize strain on the elbow. Pay close attention to your body mechanics during exercises, and ensure you are using proper form to prevent future issues.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a record of your pain levels and any movements that cause discomfort. If pain persists beyond a week or worsens, consider seeking professional advice for a more thorough evaluation.
By following these steps, you could see improvement, but remember to listen to your body and avoid pushing through pain. If you have any concerns or the situation doesn't improve, it’s important to seek professional help for a more tailored approach. Take care!
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