Why do my elbows hurt when I lift weights and how can I prevent it?

When you lift weights, you may hurt your elbows because the muscles and tendons around the elbow are working too hard. This can cause tiny injuries where the tendon attaches to the bone. Sometimes this happens on the outside of your elbow, called tennis elbow, or on the inside, known as golfer's elbow or medial epicondylitis. These conditions happen when the tendons are stretched and used too much without enough rest.

To help your elbows feel better and stop hurting, it is important to use the right form when you lift weights. Begin with lighter weights and work your way up as you feel stronger. Stretch your arms and warm up before exercising, and do gentle stretches after you are done. Strengthening exercises for your hand, wrist, and elbow muscles can also give your joints more support over time.

Remember to take rest breaks so your elbow gets a chance to recover from the work. If the pain lasts, you can check your symptoms to better understand what might be causing your discomfort and get personalized guidance on next steps.