Rest is important, and local strapping or devices to take the pressure off the tendon can also help. If pain persists, your doctor may be able to give you an injection of steroids into the tendon which can bring rapid pain relief. No sport here, but a good book can cause you to lean overlong on your elbows, causing a traumatic bursitis or inflammation of the bursa behind the elbow. This bursa or sack of fluid becomes swollen and painful. Infection and gout can have the same effect.
Treatment involves draining out the fluid and, if it is a traumatic bursitis, a steroid injection.
This problem should not stop you getting into action in the gym - but you must ask the instructors who first put you through your paces for specific advice, regarding which exercises or machines might aggravate the elbow problem. For example, working out for long periods on the rowing machine may put the elbow under repeated strain. Also, if you find that any exercise you do does seem to hurt your elbow you should stop at once and discuss it with the instructor. Visit our extensive Ask the Doctor library of all previously asked questions and answers covering a wide range of topics. Full A to Z listing Category listing Keyword Search using the box on the right .