Discomfort in the Elbow Region
I'm a 17-year-old male, and about two weeks ago, I experienced an injury to my elbow during an upper body calisthenics workout. Initially, the pain was quite intense, lasting for roughly 10 to 20 minutes, but it gradually subsided to a more manageable level. For the first five days, I refrained from using any topical treatments or ice on the affected area. Eventually, I recognized the need for some intervention; thus, I began using a Diclofenac-based anti-inflammatory cream recommended by my pharmacist. I applied it twice daily for a duration of five days. Despite this treatment, it has now been eight days since the injury, and the discomfort persists. Throughout this entire period, I have abstained from any workout activities. Today, eager to resume training, I attempted to do wall push-ups as a gentle reintroduction, but even this simpler exercise caused significant pain in my elbow.
Answers (1)
2/11/2026, 6:01:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you've experienced an injury to your elbow, and although some pain has subsided, the ongoing discomfort, especially during activity, indicates you may need to take a few more focused steps to promote healing and manage pain effectively.
Key Points:
- Your recent elbow injury appears to be causing persistent discomfort even after initial care.
- Resuming physical activity (like wall push-ups) led to significant pain, which is a signal to approach recovery cautiously.
Explanation:
Elbow injuries, especially those from activities like calisthenics, can result in injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the joint. It’s good that you applied an anti-inflammatory cream, as that can help reduce swelling and manage pain. However, the persistence of your symptoms suggests that the elbow may still be healing, and that it's important to allow your body more time to recover.
Actionable Next Steps:
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Rest and Avoid Aggravating Activities: Continue to stay away from any workouts or movements that strain your elbow until you're pain-free. This includes push-ups or any weight-bearing activities on the arm.
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Ice Therapy: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce any remaining swelling and discomfort. Always use a cloth barrier to protect your skin.
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Compression and Elevation: Consider wearing a compression wrap on your elbow if it's swollen, and keep your arm elevated when resting. This can help decrease swelling.
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Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: After a few more days of rest, begin gentle range-of-motion exercises without weight (like bending and straightening your arm) if you can do so without pain. Hold each position for a few seconds and repeat several times a day.
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Pain Management: If needed, over-the-counter ibuprofen can help with pain management (if you're not allergic and have no contraindications). Always follow the recommended dosage.
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Listen to Your Body: If any activity causes pain, stop immediately. Gradual progression is key to preventing further injury.
If discomfort continues beyond 2-3 weeks, or if you develop swelling, bruising, or additional symptoms, it may be a good idea to seek advice from a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember to focus on allowing your body to recover fully to prevent long-term issues.
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