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Elbows hurt doing pushups

Original Post
Toby Butterfield · · Portland, OR · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 140

So I get a weird snapping noise in my left elbow when doing pushups. If I push through it, my elbow will start hurting on the outside edge. While this never ever bothers me while climbing (it really seems to be an issue that only comes up during pushing motions) it seems that climbing aggravates it--it's usually at its worst when I've been climbing recently.

I'm going to see a PT in a few weeks, but until then I'm just icing it and staying away from pushups. Just wondering if anyone else has encountered something like this.

Joe Kreidel · · San Antonio, TX · Joined Dec 2007 · Points: 1,495

I never had a snapping noise, but I definitely felt a tweaky pain (sorry that's kinda vague...) while doing pushups, to the point I stopped doing them. I then tried the Perfect PushUp, the cheesy, AS SEEN ON TV-type rotating push up device. Now I can do push ups pain free. The PT will hopefully have a good answer for you, but that worked for me.

Howard Snell · · Belen, New Mexico · Joined May 2010 · Points: 80

Toby:

I get the same "pop" in my right elbow when doing pushups. I thought it was due to a poor repair of the joint when I broke that arm many years ago. I'd like to know what the PT tells you.

Howard

Rob Gordon · · Hollywood, CA · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 115

Yeah I have the popping thing too. It's not a big deal. Just try different arm widths and angles. If I bring my elbows in under my chest or widen my hand distance it doesn't happen much.

RockyR · · Encinitas, CA · Joined Mar 2011 · Points: 245

Hello folks.

I am an orthopedic fitness coach. I notice it first w/ my elbow when duck diving while surfing which has been a while for now. What I have found that works for me is when I am doing push ups, which is my favorite exercise is to utilize my lats more during the pushing motion. Another thing is when the body is on the down position while doing the push ups, make sure that your hands are in alignment w/ your chest and that your upper arms are at about 45 degree angle.

I have also added MSM in my regimen to ensure that my joints stays pliable. I take MSM between 5 to 20 grams per day. Depends on how much activities I am doing for the day.

To good health and adventurous life!!!
ROCKY :)

Joseph Stover · · Batesville, AR · Joined Dec 2005 · Points: 690

I had a shoulder injury a couple years ago that now gives me a "pop" while doing pullups or lat pull downs, but doesn't result in pain. I think a popping sound is probably a bad thing, as it must mean there is friction somewhere, especially if it results in pain. Should probably get it looked at... at least take it easy for a couple weeks to see if it gets better... if not, physical therapy might help...

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

I have also had a snapping sound in my elbows during push-ups. It happened mainly after my hernia surgery and I after a got my strength back it disappeared. Sorry I can't give you a helpful tx

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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