Posted by Jay Buckler on January 19, 2001 at 23:16:35:
I've been shooting my air pistol about a match (practice)every 3 days
or so. Lately my elbow has started hurting quite a bit and is a little swollen. Has anyone else experienced this? I find air pistol shooting quite a bit different than my IPSC shooting, enjoy both, but find the air pistol stance more rigid and unnatural.
Posted by Joe Matusic, MD on January 20, 2001 at 09:25:52:
If it hurts and is swollen, first stop doing anything that aggravates it.
Second, make sure you don't have something serious. If the elbow is warm to the touch, very tender to touch or you can't bend or extend it fully (as much as the other), or you have a fever, then call or see a doctor as you could have an infection, torn tendon or an arthritis of some kind.
Assuming the above is not true, rest the elbow for a few days until it doesn't hurt anymore. Try to analyze the stance and see exactly what is aggravating the elbow. It could be that you are stressing a tendon or a muscle without properly warming up. Think of little leaguers elbow. They tend to throw the ball a few times, then start throwing curve balls and injure their elbows. You should warm up with some light cardiovascular
exercise and stretch the affected joint for at least 15 minutes before shooting (not always necessary, just if there develops a problem like you are having). Finally, if nothing is helping, see your doctor and ask to see a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist.
Posted by Rod Madsen on January 22, 2001 at 09:20:56:
I am not sure what your pain really is and talking to a doctor might be the best idea. One thing is it is reminiscent of tennis elbow. In that case there is a band that is available to put around the upper part of your forearm. It seems to take the stress off the area that is causing the problem. I had similar problems when I first started shooting air pistol and found that to help. I don't think that I need it anymore but I still use it when I practice.
Posted by Nicolas on January 24, 2001 at 08:26:22:
Jay,
After spending countless hours of Physical Therapy and two Cortazone shots later, I can tell you do not lock your elbow - this is why my elbow got messed up. If you are having problems with it, I suggest you go see someone before shooting anymore. This cost me a year of not shooting any matches, not a very attractive option.
Nicolas
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