I have a powerlifting competition on october 1st. Problem is that for this past week i have been experiencing intense pain in my lower bicep/elbow area at the crease of the arm from holding the barbell during heavy squats. This of course is also affecting my bench. I am an absolute moron when it comes to treatment of injuries.
Anyone have advice on steps i can take to treat this injury so it is not a major factor on meet day. Should I apply ice, heat, tiger palm, take anti inflammatories…etc
We need to know more; describe the pain.
Is the area bruised, discolored or deformed?
Is there obvious swelling?
Does the pain feel more like a crushing (bruised), burning, stabbing or shooting?
Is it constant, occur upon activity, come and go? Is it local, general or radiating?
How long has it been there, what makes it feel better?
Sorry to answer a question with a question, but that is all I can do for now.
I advise you to see a doctor for any prolonged intense pain. Don’t just ignore it, it can affect your meet, and your long term health.
In most cases, you can’t go wrong with ice and elevation. Motrin lets me get out of bed most days. But really, if it persists more than two or three days, see a doctor.
After a second thought, I’d thought I’d include a little general sports injury advise:
RICE(S)
Rest- don’t use the injured limb, stop doing what hurt it.
Ice- reduces swelling, numbs the area. Best used ASAP, and following few days. Use 10-15 minutes at a time. Be sure not to put ice directly on the skin, it can cause frostbite.
Compression- such as an ace wrap. Reduces swelling, stabalizes the sight of injury
Elavation- hold limb above heart level. Reduces swelling
(S) splinting, seek medical advice
heat is more of a comfort thing to be used at least two days after injury. As an area warms, it gets more blood flow, loosening the muscles, removing toxins and blood (nutrients in it) helps rebuild tissue. Use of heat to soon can aggrevate an injury.
Hope this helps, any docs out there or PTs please correct me if I am wrong, or add to it.
combatmedic,
there is no bruising, discoloration, swelling etc…it is a sharp pain which radiates throughout the elbow, bicep, and forearm. It is unbearable when i am squatting, but pretty much goes away when i am not exercising. my training is done for the meet. i will be resting until saturday. are you only supposed to ice after exercise or can you ice anytime? thanks