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How to Fix Elbow Pain from Lifting?

Published in Elbow Pain Treatment 2 mins read

Fixing elbow pain from lifting typically involves a multi-faceted approach, combining immediate symptom relief with long-term rehabilitation strategies to restore function and prevent recurrence.

Immediate Relief and Pain Management

When elbow pain flares up from lifting, several immediate actions can help alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation:

  • Icing the Elbow: Applying ice to the affected area is a primary step. It helps reduce both pain and swelling, which are common symptoms of elbow strain or inflammation.
  • Using an Elbow Strap: An elbow strap, often a counterforce brace, can be highly effective. It works by protecting the affected tendons from suffering more strain during daily activities and lifting, thereby reducing stress on the injured area.
  • Taking NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the elbow. These over-the-counter medications provide symptomatic relief.

Rehabilitative Strategies

Beyond immediate relief, a more structured approach is necessary for long-term recovery and strengthening:

  • Practicing Range of Motion (ROM) Exercises: Gentle range of motion exercises are crucial for maintaining flexibility and preventing stiffness in the elbow joint. These exercises help restore normal movement without aggravating the injury.
    • Examples of Gentle ROM Exercises:
      • Wrist Flexion/Extension: Gently bending your wrist up and down.
      • Forearm Pronation/Supination: Rotating your forearm so your palm faces up and then down.
      • Elbow Flexion/Extension: Slowly bending and straightening your elbow.
  • Attending Physical Therapy: For persistent or severe elbow pain, physical therapy is often recommended. A physical therapist can assess the specific cause of your pain, guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles, improve flexibility, and correct any biomechanical issues or lifting techniques that contribute to the pain.

Advanced Interventions

In cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, more advanced medical interventions may be considered:

  • Steroid or Painkiller Injections: For severe pain or inflammation that doesn't respond to other treatments, a doctor might recommend injections. These can include corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation or local anesthetic injections for pain relief. These are typically considered after other, less invasive methods have been tried.

It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan for your specific condition.