RRC Archives

my elbow hurts but i haven't noticed it while climbing. i took the last week and a half off but it still hurts just sitting around. i'm gonna climb on wednesday and i hope this doesn't fuck it up.
any suggestions on how to treat it or what it might be? should i see a doctor? i guess i could, i got insurance until march when i turn 19. probably should take advantage of it.

The key for me to avoid and recover from elbow issues is lots of pushup, dips, and wrist curls. That and some alieve seems to make it all good again in a couple weeks. I used get the same thing - doesn't hurt while climbing at all, just later on and during the days I don't climb. Really working the other muscles in your arms is key.

Wes

yeah after i blew my shoulder this spring i started doing a little work on pushing muscles but stopped after it got better. i think i might spend the winter working on balancing out my muscle groups and getting in better overall shape.

Muscle balance is key!

Push-ups and dips help, along with rest from the culprit activity. I had tendonitis in Spring and again recently and it's all better for the most part

You should ice after you climb. If it hurts, ice it. Ice acts like a local anti-inflammatory. 20 minutes on and 20-30 off. Do it even if you are not climbing now. Do that two or three times a day and you will impove. The muscles that generate the power grip in climbers attatche to the medial epicondylar process which often becomes irritated, especially in gym rats and boulderers. A little rest and ice are the best thing for medial epicondylitis. If the problem persists or worsens, see a physician and they can start you on an anti-inflammatory.

you calling ME a gym climber????!!!

just joking.

thanks. i'll try all these ideas. thanks again.

Something is messed up with one of middle fingers. Probably from too many crimpy boulder problems. It is sensitive and sore below the knuckle. While massaging the area I noticed what felt like a small pebble near the base of my finger. I think I will take 2 days off of climbing to let it heal... then on to the jugs and slopers!

The pebbly thing could be a ganglion cyst. It's associated with early degeneration of your tendon sheath. A sure sign you're getting old and worn out. They used to treat these by whackin' them with a big book or something. Benign neglect is the best bet, unless it continues to cause problems. Then, other more invasive things can be done.

I got one of those things about three years ago. It was sensitive and big (under base of pointer finger). Mine has shrunk immensely but is still barely there.