If you use your arms for repetitive tasks that involve bending your elbow, you may notice a dull, constant pain along the tendon on the back of your elbow. This pain is usually related to a condition that is known as tennis elbow. Don’t play tennis? Doesn’t matter. It’s really just a type of inflammation in your tendon that’s commonly associated with playing tennis but can develop for a number of reasons.
One thing about tennis elbow is it doesn’t stop hurting when you rest your arm. Sure, it might not be as intolerable as when bending your arm, but many resting positions can be painful as well.
Sleeping with tennis elbow
The challenge of sleeping with tennis elbow is keeping it in a position that aggravates the inflammation as little as possible. For side sleepers, this is a bit of a challenge since you usually sleep with your arms curled under your head or pillow.
To avoid putting strain on your elbow while recovering from tennis elbow, you should sleep on your back and try to keep your arms in a straighter, more natural relaxed position. It helps to prop up each arm on pillows on either side of you. This provides an isolated space of comfort for the elbows and also helps keep your spine aligned, which can help you sleep better through any persistent pain.
Getting through the day with tennis elbow
Tennis elbow can make certain daily tasks more challenging. It’s in your interest to have a friend or loved one make sure daily objects you need to use will be in easy-to-reach places for you so you can avoid straining your elbow.
Additionally, you can ice your elbow a few times a day to help reduce inflammation and soothe the pain. Apply a wrapped ice pack to the elbow for about 15 minutes. You should wait at least an hour before making another application of ice. Any more frequently than this and you can constrict the blood vessels, which causes more pain.
Also, you need to rest your arm. Don’t try to push through the pain just to get things done or prove to yourself that you’re tough. This will only make things worse. Take care of yourself and you should regain the use of your arm in a reasonable amount of time.
Visit Whatcom Physical Therapy for tennis elbow treatment
Do you have persistent pain running along the back of your elbow? In addition to the steps outlined above, physical therapists can help. Our team at Whatcom is experienced in creating customized treatments that help people like you recover from pain in their elbows. Contact our team today for more information about tennis elbow treatment or to schedule an initial appointment.
Our Locations
FAQ
Conditions Library