Crossfit is an exercise program that aims to enhance fitness by using functional exercises: running, gymnastics, rowing, and plyometrics. Generally, exercises are varied, so one day, you might perform a lower body bias and another day an upper-body bias. Overall, however, exercises are high intensity incorporating high repetition and speed. Although CrossFit makes a big deal about the ability to control the power, we find that intensity is not always well controlled, leading to the potential for injury. Typically, we see injuries in the upper body and lower body. However, the elbow is one area that gets a lot of attention and has lots of potential for damage. So, what are the causes of Crossfit elbow pain?

Elbow Anatomy

elbow joint

 

The elbow consists of joints, muscles, and tendons. The elbow joint is a hinge joint comprised of three bones: humerus, ulna, and radius. In addition, there are two large ligaments in the elbow: the medial collateral ligament on the inside and the lateral collateral ligament on the outside. Moreover, muscles from the arm and forearm attach to the elbow through essential tendons.

Cause of CrossFit elbow pain 

Common causes of CrossFit elbow pain include the following:

Tennis elbow 

Overloading the tendon outside the elbow joint leads to a common condition known as lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow. We see this condition when the muscles extending the wrist are overused. Moreover, in Crossfit, exercises that increase the load on this tendon are shoulder front raises, kettlebell raises, and sandbag carries. Often, pain presents in the outside elbow and forearm.

Golfer’s elbow 

Similar to a tennis elbow, Golfer’s elbow is an overload of the tendon on the inside of the elbow. Generally, this condition occurs when the muscles flexing the wrist are overloaded. Specifically to Crossfit, exercises that increase the risk of Golfer’s elbow include Ball Slams, kettlebell clean and jerk, and pull-ups. Usually, you feel pain on the inside of the elbow and forearm.

Biceps tendonitis 

The biceps muscle works to bend the elbow. Near the elbow, the muscle forms into two tendons that attach to the top part of the radius. Overloading the biceps muscle leads to swelling of the tendons at the attachment to the radius. Generally, biceps tendonitis is common in weightlifters or bodybuilders. However, Crossfit enthusiasts risk biceps tendonitis when performing kettlebell lifts, pullups, and ball slams.

Cartilage injury causing CrossFit elbow pain

Generally, damage to the elbow joint itself is an overlooked problem of CrossFit elbow pain. Typically, pain is located in one area and moves around. Often, the elbow feels stiff, and movement is not entirely free. In addition, reports of previous injury or trauma occur in some cases, such as a fall onto the elbow. Finally, CrossFit exercises that overload the elbow joint, such as press-ups and burpees, can worsen elbow joint pain.

Final word from Sportdoctorlondon about CrossFit elbow pain

Overall, CrossFit places high loads on the joints and tendons of the elbow. It is important to remember that not all elbow pain is due to tendonitis but maybe sue to joint swelling. If you have elbow pain, we suggest you see an expert in Sports injuries who can make a speedy diagnosis and manage your problems with an understanding of the demands of CrossFit.

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