Published on: 5/26/2025
Elbow pain during weightlifting might happen because your elbow is working very hard or might be stressed by improper movements. This stress can lead to inflammation or small injuries in the tendons and ligaments around the joint.
When you lift weights, your elbow joint, tendons, and ligaments can take on a lot of pressure. This extra work can cause muscles and connective tissues to become tired or inflamed. Some common reasons for elbow pain include overuse, doing the exercise with the wrong form, or lifting more weight than your body is ready for. For instance, repetitive exercises like bench presses can make the elbow tired over time, sometimes leading to small injuries. When these tissues are stressed, you might feel pain, swelling, or stiffness. To help prevent or manage this pain, you can try the following: • Warm up before lifting • Use proper technique during exercises • Gradually increase your weight instead of making big jumps • Take breaks to allow your muscles and joints to rest If the pain continues or gets worse, it is a good idea to see a healthcare professional who understands sports injuries. This way, you can figure out the best steps to help your elbow heal and keep you lifting safely.
(References)
Golshani K, Cinque ME, O'Halloran P, Softness K, Keeling L, Macdonell JR. Upper extremity weightlifting injuries: Diagnosis and management. J Orthop. 2017 Nov 7;15(1):24-27. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2017.11.005. PMID: 29657436; PMCID: PMC5895929.
Huang YP, Chou YL, Chen FC, Wang RT, Huang MJ, Chou PP. Elbow joint fatigue and bench-press training. J Athl Train. 2014 May-Jun;49(3):317-21. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-49.1.05. Epub 2014 Feb 17. PMID: 24533529; PMCID: PMC4080597.
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