Sore elbows

[tsddave]

I am getting sore elbows quite often and figured out today that I think its from cycling.
At first I wasnt sure because I also workout in the gym 3 days a week and also work a heavy labour job but today after cycling I noticed a difference in my elbows that was pretty obvious.
I did some web searching and change of positioning is said to help namely putting the seat back and making the stem longer but insuring that the elbows are slightly bent.

Anyone have any experience in over coming this ?
Ive been using gel packs from the freezer and that gives it some relief but really I want to stop it!

Would a bike made from carbon fibre make a difference? Would just the fork from carbon fibre be enough?

 

[lulubel]

What kind of pain is it?

I get an aching and stiffness in my elbows sometimes after long rides, and especially when it's hot. I just put it down to my elbows being in pretty much the same position for a long time, taking some of my weight.

 

[tsddave]

Well I went to the doctors today and the doctor told me I need total rest for 2 weeks unless I want it to go chronic.
This means 2 weeks off work, weight training and also cycling
I work a heavy job and I find any real pressure on either arm = pain.
The pain is pretty sharp when I try to add pressure and a dull ache the rest of the time.

I went to my cycle store today and they helped a great deal.

They fitted an adjustable stem pieice, changed my seating and handlebar positions ,didnt charge for time and gave me 50% discount on the stem piece.The new revised riding position feels like its going to work out. Also while I was waiting on the work being done (they also changed my crank) the guy there let me try out various other bikes.
It was really cool seeing the difference between the different types of bikes and I got a real rush from the instant speed of the racing bikes!

I guess im just an exercise junkie and I just need to lay off for these 2 weeks and let things heal!

I will however be going to the gym and using the static bikes there but with my hands to my sides just to be careful

 

[tsddave]

Where in the elbow is the pain ?

If it is tennis elbow (pain in the outside of the elbow) then it may be cause in how you are holding the handle bars. If you are gripping with the wrist bent backwards then this can cause the same injury associated with the forward hand shot in tennis.

Sometimes drop bars (as per racing bikes) are better as riding on the hoods is a much better position as the wrist is not tilted backwards. If you are already doing this then there are specialist straps that fit the forearm and take the strain off the problem tendon.

And of course always see a medical professional first and always bear in mind that any advice given on an internet forum could be utter rubbish.

Thanks for your reply
The pain is mostly in my right arm, which is my strongest arm and I am right handed. I have pain on the right side of the elbow joint itself, the muscle above this area and the muscle near the wrist. I think you could be right on grip, I have however been making sure I bend the elbows.
The riding position has now changed but I am waiting for the elbow to feel right before I dare go on the bike again.
Its good to hear that a racing bike bars will be better as this is the direction I am heading in for the future

Right now im off work and not doing anything really but watch movies and tv and ofc use my computer some also.
Today I will go to the gym and cycle there for a couple of hours with my arms to my sides.

 

[livpoksoc]

That's great that you've been to see a doctor & that the bike shop appears to have helped you immensely, what I'd suggest is that you take the doctors advice though & give your arms some rest from any real exercise for a couple of weeks. This will aid your recovery, my father suffered with a similar issue of tennis elbow, he didn't rest it & continued working after the doctor told him not to. He now needs injections when it flares up & it can be very painful.

Good luck though, I know injuries are no fun (had knee issues & shin splints in the last 18 months!)

 

[tsddave]

Thanks, yeah its no fun at all!
Ive had a history of problems with the right elbow also as it has been smacked out of its socket a couple of times due to martial arts training.
I think I will start using a elbow support sleeve on it during riding and see if that does some magic when I get back to riding properly.
I did a 30 min run today on my new racing bike to test the set up and new pedals and ive not noticed any ill effects but this week im gonna take it easy still and just do smooth surface short runs if any thing.