pain near elbows (both) after 6-7 beginner weight sessions

[xboxist]

As stated in topic, I've developed a soreness in both arms on what I thought to be on the "inside" of the elbow, but after researching this pain I'm not sure what part of the elbow this is considered.

The best way that I can describe the location is... if I were standing up and had my arms down to my sides, with the palm of my hands facing forward, the elbow pain is right at the joint that would be touching my sides. So it's not the "back" of the elbow where the boniest point is. Am I describing inner, or outer elbow pain?

There doesn't seem to be much inflammation, but I could be wrong. The discomfort is there while doing things like bicep curls, chin ups, chest press, etc. It doesn't stop me from doing these exercises, but it gives me pause. I don't want it to turn into something worse. The aforementioned parts of my elbow are fairly sore the next day (rest day) and is mostly gone by the following day. But as soon as I start the weights, it comes right back.

I'm very careful with my form. I don't rush the reps. I don't use a weight amount that I can't lift without breaking form. The fact that this causes discomfort in both elbows has me worried. I love the way I feel now that I've started a weights program and I'm quite honestly scared of being told by a doctor that I shouldn't do it any longer.

 

[SociallyChallenged]

With palms facing forward, that would be considered the "inner" or medial part of the elbow, I believe. It honestly just sounds like a case of tendinitis. Ice it, take ibuprofen to reduce any inflammation (even if it's not visible), and if it keeps up, go to the doctor.

 

[Whisper]

As SociallyChallenged said, it sounds somewhat similar to pain I've had off and on for the past few years that essentially turned out to be tendinitis. It initially lasted for about three months following participation in a fraternity-related arm wrestling event (I know, I know, arm wrestling is HORRIBLE for your joints, which is why I only participated briefly), and afterward, I had multiple physicians and physical therapists tell me simply to go a bit easy, pop a few advil, and soldier through it. After about a week off from weight-lifting, I returned to my routine sans arm pain. Nowadays, it only bothers me if I go VERY heavy with upper-body exercises for more than two or three days in a row.

That being said, I am by no means a medical doctor, so take this anecdote with a grain of salt.

 

[xboxist]

Well I appreciate your wisdom, guys.

I can tolerate the pain ok at this point. It's not that so bad as to make me scream or anything. It was more alarming than anything. I think I'll try just icing my elbows after workouts and being mindful of the weight I'm lifting. If it's like this for life, I can deal with it. If it gets worse, then I'll stop and see a doc.

I can't take Advil, etc. I was on an Advil program for a sore knee and it led to an ulcer that I had to be hospitalized for.

 

[interchange]

That's the medial epicondyle at the common flexor muscle attachment (inflammation here is called Golfer's elbow).

 

[xboxist]

Originally posted by: interchange
That's the medial epicondyle at the common flexor muscle attachment (inflammation here is called Golfer's elbow).

Thanks for that. Yes, Golfer's Elbow definitely correctly illustrates where the pain is. illustration

The symptoms make it sound like it's usually caused by usage of your finger and wrist muscles, but it also mentions that any repetitive arm motion can cause it, which is what weight lifting is. causes