Elbow bruising and stretch marks from weight lifting?

LookingFor

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if this is normal or if there's anything I should be worried about.. I've started back weight lifting regularly again after a little time off, and I've noticed some things I hadn't had before when weight lifting. I'm now using free weights instead of machines, if it makes a difference, and I'm perhaps pushing myself more than I did before.

Anyway, I quite immediately noticed that I fairly easily develop stretch marks around the intersection of my shoulders and my arm pits. I'm guessing they're stretch marks anyway. They don't fade, I've had the same marks now for months. Is there anything I can do about that?

Second, I noticed just this morning I have a fairly prominent bruise around my right elbow joint (on the outside of the elbow). The bruise itself doesn't feel sore, but there's a slight strain in the elbow, a slight tingling sensation. I've had strain in joints before, but never a visible bruise like this.

Again, is that anything to worry about, or should I just go a bit easier on the weights, or..?

Thanks for any advice!

figs86

have the stretch marks from weights too, under the arm and on the chest. buggers have appeared on my biceps too

apparently its the sudden growth underneath the skin so doin heavy weights and building muscle would give ya stretch marks alright

doesnt seem too common, i only have ever seen one or 2 other people with them

they fade after a while but are still scar-like

don't think you can get rid of them, if you can, tell me and i'll sell it on to the millions of women who have them after having a kid

i don't worry about them, ive had them for years so ive accepted them

LookingFor

I saw a product called bio-oil in the chemist that claims to treat stretch marks, among other skin conditions, but it's rather pricey! A quick google suggests getting lots of vitamin e can help prevent them too. Obviously reducing the weight you use would help aswell, but..

Anyway, I'm glad I'm not alone on that, I just thought it was a bit weird cos I never got them before. Maybe it's just because I'm using more weight now.

Still, this bruise is a bit annoying

Canis Lupus

Bio oil apparently helps the appearance but there is no cure for stretch marks. Just learn to live with them. They are caused essentially by rapid weight gain either muscular or good old fat and one of the layers of your skin tears. Vit e cream is recommended by some and yeah bio oil is supposedly great for all manner of things.

As for the bruise. No idea. If it doesn't go away in a reasonable time then you should see a doctor.

Glowing

When I was doing my gym introduction, my instructor actually told me that warming up on a cross trainer for 5-10 mins before doing weights would help prevent stretch-marks....

I think it's a load of bull though.

Pen1987

figs86 wrote: »

have the stretch marks from weights too, under the arm and on the chest. buggers have appeared on my biceps too

apparently its the sudden growth underneath the skin so doin heavy weights and building muscle would give ya stretch marks alright

doesnt seem too common, i only have ever seen one or 2 other people with them

they fade after a while but are still scar-like

don't think you can get rid of them, if you can, tell me and i'll sell it on to the millions of women who have them after having a kid

i don't worry about them, ive had them for years so ive accepted them

Any chance your surname beigns with H?


On topic... I know a few lads who got the beginings of strecthmarks on their back near their armpits from focusing to much on lat and chest development.

According to (dubious) sources (the tinterweb) drinking more water during/before sessions can keep the skin more moisturied and strecthy to stop it getting marks.