New Pain in Elbow During Some Lifts

[Shock6050]

Fairly recently I’ve started getting some sharp pain that radiates to my inner elbow (right where funny bone is). I notice it is more impacted with isolation movements so have adjusted my lifts accordingly. I believe it’s the ulnar nerve that can commonly get aggravated with regular heavy lifting. Dumbbells seem to feel better when doing pressing movements and movements like concentration dumbbell curls or tricep pushdowns are off the table for the moment. I have some elbow sleeves and wrist wraps, with the wrist wraps seem to help the best as I think it is tied to my grip. Any suggestions on general exercise selection similar to what I mentioned above or other things I can do to help it to heal up faster and prevent it from reoccurring? I’ve been using a heating pad at night on the elbow which seems to help with the healing process.

 

[Shock6050]

I also believe I read the ring finger is the digit that is directly tied to that particular nerve, so maybe putting on “fat grips” may help as my grip will be modified to put less strain on the nerve.

 

[NeuroRN]

I think that’s tennis elbow. I get them confused. @Kad1 will know better.

 

[Shock6050]

Thanks! I think though tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow. From general searches it seems mine is more related to this:

“Ulnar nerve entrapment occurs when the ulnar nerve in the arm becomes compressed or irritated.

The ulnar nerve is one of the three main nerves in your arm. It travels from your neck down into your hand, and can be constricted in several places along the way, such as beneath the collarbone or at the wrist. The most common place for compression of the nerve is behind the inside part of the elbow. Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow is called “cubital tunnel syndrome.”

 

[NeuroRN]

Yeahhhh I get them confused. Kad will be able to help some more whenever he tags in. He knows a thing or two.

 

[Shock6050]

@Bigmurph i think I found a video on YouTube that explains it and has potentially good advice for lifting to prevent aggravating it. Am I able to post that or is that a no go! It’s just an educational video, no ads.

Looking forward to hearing from @Kad1

 

[Bigmurph6]

Yes you can post YouTube links as long as they aren’t selling anything @Shock6050

 

[Bigmurph6]

It’s just an educational video, no ads.

Perfect you got it brother

 

[Kad1]

Tennis elbow is the outside of the elbow and “golfers” elbow is the medial aside.

 

[Kad1]

Get a lacrosse ball and roll out triceps, trap, pec amd forearm to start. Play around with grip width oh barbell movements. Ice and stay away from whatever irritates it

 

[Poppy]

Lacrosse ball is the shizzel

 

[Shock6050]

Thanks all….ran across this educational video that provides some adjustments to various lifts. Curious on your thoughts.

 

[Shock6050]

It seems grip placement and movements that extend beyond 90 degrees are the main fixes. Also a wrist wrap on my affected arm definitely helps as well as an elbow sleeve. The ice/heat debate always gets me. Usually I will ice immediately after an injury, but generally heat seems to be better outside of that window (but have alternated as sometimes it’s ice that is better).