In this article:
What Is Tennis Elbow During Pregnancy?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, might sound like something only athletes deal with, but that’s not true at all. You can get it even if you’ve never held a racket in your life. It happens when the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to your elbow get strained or irritated. Over time, small tears can form in those tendons, and if they don’t heal properly, they cause pain and stiffness.You’ll usually feel the pain on the outer part of your elbow. Sometimes it travels down your forearm or even to your wrist. It’s mostly caused by doing the same movement over and over again. If you’re pregnant, this pain can sometimes feel stronger due to the body’s changes.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy changes a lot about how you move and what your body can handle, which might contribute to tennis elbow.These are some common reasons it might show up:
Repetitive Arm Movements
If you spend a lot of time typing, scrolling on your phone, using a mouse, or doing the same household tasks, those repeated motions can strain the tendons in your forearm. Over time, that strain adds up and causes pain around your elbow.Overuse from Daily Activities
Pregnancy often means taking on new routines or doing more than usual, like setting up a nursery, lifting baby gear, or carrying shopping bags. These small but constant activities can tire out your forearm muscles and make the tendons sore or inflamed.Occupational Strain
If your job requires you to twist or bend your wrist a lot, like cooking, painting, or working with tools, you’re more likely to develop tennis elbow.No Clear Cause
Sometimes, there isn’t a single reason. During pregnancy, your body produces hormones that loosen your joints and increase fluid retention. These changes can make your tendons more sensitive, so even normal daily movements might trigger discomfort.What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
There are a few clear signs to watch for if you think you might have tennis elbow:- Pain on the outer side of your elbow, especially when you grasp or twist your wrist.
- Discomfort that worsens over time, radiating from the elbow to the forearm or back of the hand.
- A weak grip makes it harder to hold objects like a cup.
- Tenderness when pressing the outer elbow or trying to bend your wrist backwards against resistance.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow Naturally During Pregnancy
The positive part is that you can manage tennis elbow with natural remedies that are safe during pregnancy:- Rest your arm: The main cause of tennis elbow is overuse, so giving your arm some rest is important. Try to avoid repetitive tasks or doing the same hand movements again and again.
- Apply ice: Ice is a quick and easy way to calm inflammation and reduce pain. Wrap an ice pack in a thin towel and place it on your elbow for about 15 minutes, two or three times a day.
- Physical therapy or massage: A physiotherapist can show you gentle stretches and strengthening exercises that target your forearm muscles. They might also use massage techniques to loosen tight tissues and help your tendons heal faster.
- Acupuncture: Some people find relief through acupuncture, where needles are placed around the sore area to ease pain and promote recovery. It’s considered safe for many during pregnancy, but always talk to your doctor first before trying it.
When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough for Tennis Elbow
Sometimes, even after trying natural remedies, the pain can linger. These are a few options you can discuss with your doctor:- Elbow brace: Wearing a specially designed elbow brace can help support your tendon and reduce strain on the joint. It eases discomfort and can prevent further irritation while you recover.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: If your discomfort is getting harder to manage, your doctor may recommend something mild and pregnancy-safe to help ease the pain.
- Topical creams: Creams or gels that contain menthol can give you short-term relief when applied to the sore area.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on How to Handle Elbow Pain During Pregnancy
- What are common joint pains in pregnancy?
Common joint pains occur in the lower back, hips, knees, and wrists due to added weight and hormonal changes. - What is the best sleeping position for tennis elbow in pregnancy?
The best position is lying on your back or side-sleeping on your non-affected arm.