Elbow pain from lifting is a common symptom among individuals who lift weights, heavy objects, children, grocery bags, etc. Depending on the underlying cause, can conservative treatments relieve and heal elbow pain?
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Elbow pain from lifting can result from weight training, repetitive daily tasks, or job duties like lifting small children or heavy objects. Pain can manifest at the sides or the front of the elbow. Most minor injury cases can be treated with ice, rest, and medications at home. However, pain after lifting can also be a sign of a serious injury, such as a tendon rupture/tear.
Lifting puts pressure on the tendons connecting the wrist and upper arm to the bones in the elbow joint. Minor elbow pain can occur from temporary inflammation in any of these structures after lifting an object. Tendonitis occurs when a tendon becomes inflamed, often from overuse or lifting something too heavy, and ranges from mild to severe. Mild tendonitis typically causes pain during the activity and improves with rest. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020) Common forms of tendonitis include:
Self-care can help reduce elbow pain after lifting and include: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2020)
Gently stretching the wrist flexors and extensors can help reduce elbow pain after lifting. Stretches can be performed several times daily, even after symptoms have resolved. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2024)
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage elbow pain caused from lifting and include: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2023)
Mild cases can improve after a few days of self-care, whereas more pronounced elbow symptoms can take several weeks, months, or even a year. (Kheiran A. Pandey, A. & Pandey R. 2021) If self-care doesn’t work, physical therapy may be recommended. A physical therapy team can use various modalities and treatments to help reduce pain and inflammation from elbow injuries. The therapy can include targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles and stretch tight muscles that might contribute to the condition. In addition, the therapy team will help individuals modify their lifting technique to help prevent further injury.
In addition to sharp, severe pain, serious elbow pain caused from lifting have distinct symptoms, including: (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2022)
A biceps tendon rupture is a rare but serious injury usually caused from lifting. In addition to other visible signs of the injury, there will be a bulge at the top of the upper arm because the muscle bunches up as it is no longer attached to the elbow. (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2022) Individuals may hear an audible popping sound if an elbow ligament or tendon gets torn while lifting. (Johns Hopkins Medicine, 2024)
Treatment depends on the severity of the injury, but most cases resolve on their own with rest and, if necessary, physical therapy. Conditions that cause severe pain require orthopedic surgeon expertise. These physicians specialize in treating musculoskeletal system injuries. Imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are often used to determine the extent of damage. Individuals with tendon or ligament tears in the elbow may need surgery to regain full range of motion and strength in their arm. After surgery, physical therapy will help restore function.
Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic works with primary healthcare providers and specialists to develop an optimal health and wellness solution. We focus on what works for you to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent injury. Regarding musculoskeletal pain, specialists like chiropractors, acupuncturists, and massage therapists can help mitigate the pain through spinal adjustments that help the body realign itself. They can also work with other associated medical professionals to integrate a treatment plan to improve the body’s flexibility and mobility and resolve musculoskeletal issues.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2020). Sprains, strains, and other soft-tissue injuries. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/
Kheiran, A., Pandey, A., & Pandey, R. (2021). Common tendinopathies around the elbow; what does current evidence say?. Journal of clinical orthopaedics and trauma, 19, 216–223. doi.org/10.1016/j.jcot.2021.05.021
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2024). Therapeutic exercise program for epicondylitis (tennis elbow/golfer’s elbow). orthoinfo.aaos.org/globalassets/pdfs/2024-therapeutic-exercise-program-for-lateral-and-medial-epicondylitis.pdf
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023). What are NSAIDs? orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/what-are-nsaids/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2022). Biceps tendon tear at the elbow. orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/biceps-tendon-tear-at-the-elbow
Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Ulnar collateral ligament. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/ulnar-collateral-ligament-ucl-injuries-of-the-elbow
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The information herein on "Understanding Elbow Pain from Lifting: Causes and Remedies" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.
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