Sore elbows

[Muse]

I'm 95% sure it's because of my work in the weight room, and I've been easing off or eliminating the sets when I can feel much pain. I've had this problem before and it's always resolved, to come back later. I tend to go light with lots of reps. I stopped triceps extensions and pullovers (both on bench, on my back), and even had to pull out of my usual to the max chinup set today.

Even after my workouts, I'm still in pain, and feel it in bed, too. It's almost all my right elbow, right now, but some in the left occasionally.

Is there some icing routine I can try? I have a freezer and can produce trays of ice. I also have a couple of plastic covered freezer packs, one larger one smaller. I've never gotten into icing but have been told it really works. I've also never noticed a benefit to anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. I have some ibuprofen and also some Etodolac (300 mg, Rx by an orthopedist), a similar anti-inflammatory, but have had some stomach issues in the past, so want to be cautious in using them. I probably got into trouble by taking some between meals.

Any suggestions welcome!

 

[crt1530]

Buy mini paper cups, fill them with water and put them in the freezer. You can tear away the top part of the cup as the ice melts. It can be difficult to hold on to bare icecubs.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: crt1530
Buy mini paper cups, fill them with water and put them in the freezer. You can tear away the top part of the cup as the ice melts. It can be difficult to hold on to bare icecubs.

Ah... I have some heavy plastic gloves that I use for heat transfer protection when I need it. I could grasp the cup with my left, gloved hand and apply the ice that way, over a towel to catch the dripping water. Thanks. I really need some relief. It's getting pretty bad.

Edit: Looking in my kitchen I see some small styrofoam cups. I think they'd be ideal. I also have paper accordian style cupcake cups. Meantime (while the water's freezing), I've used a platic covered gel pack. It hurts, but once removed (after 3-4 minutes), it's OK.

 

[jiggahertz]

I've had this problem in the past when doing skull crushers and preacher curls. I found stopping just short of lockout solved the pain issue. I'm not sure if I was hyper-extending or what.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Well it's pretty bad to lock any of your joints when you're lifting. I've tweaked my left elbow twice unintentionally by locking it while putting up dumbbells after shrugs.

 

[TheNinja]

Here's a different angle on it. Try adding more fish oil and/or extra virgin olive oil in your diet. Also, make sure you are drinking enough water. It is possible that your joints are not lubricating themselves good enough. So drink at least 1 gallon of water a day, take 2 fish oil caps 3 times a day with meals (so 6 total), and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil (I personally just put 1/2 tablespoon in my protein shake) and I'd be curious to see if that helps in 2 weeks.

 

[Muse]

I tried the ice in styrofoam cup but like a frozen gel pack better. It conforms to the joint and I don't have to worry about drip.

 

[onlyCOpunk]

Could also be a case a case of tendinitis or tennis elbow. Might be worth seeing a DR as something like this is a lifelong thing and the longer you hold off on a diagnosis the less likely insurance is to cover it.

 

[ja1484]

Originally posted by: jiggahertz
I've had this problem in the past when doing skull crushers and preacher curls. I found stopping just short of lockout solved the pain issue. I'm not sure if I was hyper-extending or what.

I'm betting for most people describing this, it's likely arthritis in the humero-ulnar (elbow) joint. The best treatment would be to lay off the little bastard for a few days, give him some rest, OTC painkillers as needed if the pain is really that bad.

Remember folks: If we've drifted past DOMS and into genuine pain, you've passed the point where you're doing any good. You're in detriment land.

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
Could also be a case a case of tendinitis or tennis elbow. Might be worth seeing a DR as something like this is a lifelong thing and the longer you hold off on a diagnosis the less likely insurance is to cover it.

If you want it done right, just request your physician write you up a script for physical therapy and see a good PT.

 

[shoplifter]

cissus quadrangularis

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: ja1484

Originally posted by: jiggahertz
I've had this problem in the past when doing skull crushers and preacher curls. I found stopping just short of lockout solved the pain issue. I'm not sure if I was hyper-extending or what.

I'm betting for most people describing this, it's likely arthritis in the humero-ulnar (elbow) joint. The best treatment would be to lay off the little bastard for a few days, give him some rest, OTC painkillers as needed if the pain is really that bad.

Remember folks: If we've drifted past DOMS and into genuine pain, you've passed the point where you're doing any good. You're in detriment land.

Originally posted by: onlyCOpunk
Could also be a case a case of tendinitis or tennis elbow. Might be worth seeing a DR as something like this is a lifelong thing and the longer you hold off on a diagnosis the less likely insurance is to cover it.

If you want it done right, just request your physician write you up a script for physical therapy and see a good PT.

The situation is much improved. A week or two ago I couldn't do a lot of my usual sets, the ones involving straightening my right elbow, specifically. Also, chinups. I'm back to all my sets, however with less range of motion to be on the safe side (I started out a week or so ago with very limited range of motion after having desisted entirely for several days), but I'm not doing my chinups to failure like I usually do, but holding off on the last 3-4 reps for the time being. I'm not using meds. I did ice the elbow a few times, and this eased pain quickly.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: shoplifter
cissus quadrangularis

How effective it it? Expensive? It's a plant/herb tauted for joint pain.

The elbow isn't OK, but it's a lot better. I'd say 75% better (i.e. 1/4 as much pain). I'm doing all my sets in the weight room. I know it could flare up easily, so I'm mindful of it.