Blog Post

If lifting groceries, carrying your child, or picking up weights at the gym makes you wince — or has become nearly impossible due to elbow pain — you may wonder what’s causing it and whether it will go away on its own. 

You can consider our renowned team at Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine the elbow experts in Schertz, New Braunfels, Live Oak, and San Antonio, Texas. Here, we cover what you need to know about elbow pain when lifting.

How the elbow joint works

The elbow is one of the body’s most complex joints. It connects the forearm bones (the ulna and radius) and the upper arm bone (the humerus). Working smoothly with the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the arm, your elbow joint allows you to lift, push, pull, and grip. 

But when one of these structures is irritated or injured, your first sign may be trouble or discomfort lifting. Finding the cause is the first step toward repair and long-term relief. 

Reasons for elbow pain when lifting

Your elbow could hurt when you lift something for a few different reasons. Here are some of the most common:

Tennis elbow

Despite its name, tennis elbow isn’t limited to athletes. This common overuse injury develops when repetitive movements strain the tendons attached to the outer elbow. Activities like lifting boxes, carrying heavy bags, gardening, and using hand tools may contribute to the problem.

Many people with this condition experience pain when gripping objects, lifting a coffee mug, or shaking hands. They may also experience weakness in the hand or forearm. 

Golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons of the inner elbow. Like tennis elbow, it results from repetitive stress and overuse. You don’t have to play golf to develop this condition. Weight training, throwing sports, and repetitive work activities can cause golfer’s elbow.

Symptoms may include pain when lifting objects, tenderness along the inner elbow, and discomfort when making a fist. Some people also experience numbness or tingling that can shoot into the fingers.

Tendonitis and other overuse injuries

Inflammation of the tendons around the elbow can develop gradually over time. Repeated lifting, pulling, or twisting motions can irritate these tissues and make ordinary activities very uncomfortable. Muscle strains and ligament injuries may also cause similar pain when lifting.

In addition to pain, symptoms of tendonitis and other overuse injuries may include stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Pushing through the discomfort may worsen the injury and lengthen recovery time.

You can count on our team

Northeast Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine offers the most advanced solutions for chronic elbow pain, from specialized nonsurgical solutions to minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery where needed. 

If you’re experiencing ongoing elbow pain when you try to lift even light loads, don’t delay getting treatment until it becomes debilitating. Schedule an appointment online or by calling one of our conveniently located south-central Texas offices.