How to naturally treat tennis elbow during pregnancy
Tennis elbow, is a
condition in which the tendons that connect the forearm and elbow become
inflamed, causing pain or discomfort.
Tennis elbow can also
cause pain in the forearm and even the wrist. Although known collectively as
"tennis elbow", it doesn't just affect tennis players.
Tennis elbow is
caused by overuse of the tendons that connect the forearm and elbow. This is
common in people who perform repetitive activities with their hands every day.
How to naturally treat tennis elbow during pregnancy
Tennis elbow can be
cured naturally in several ways. A combination of these options may be your
best bet for dealing with this tendinitis.
Rest
This may seem like a
no-brainer, but since tennis elbow is caused by overuse or overuse of the
tendons, resting the affected arm is usually the first treatment prescribed.
Depending on the
severity of your tennis elbow, you may need to rest your arm for anywhere from
a few days to a few weeks or even months for the tendons to heal.
Ice cream
While icing the
affected area won't cure tendonitis, it can be helpful for temporary pain
relief by reducing inflammation in the elbow joint. This is most effective when
combined with the others mentioned above.
Physiotherapy / Massage
Kill two birds with
one stone! A physical therapist will help relieve your tendinitis and may be
able to massage the area to help break down some of the scar tissue.
Acupuncture
An acupuncturist can
strategically place small needles in the areas surrounding tendinitis in the
elbow and knows that this brings relief and often hastens recovery.
How to treat tennis elbow during pregnancy if it doesn't work naturally
Unfortunately, some
conditions may not improve with natural remedies such as rest or ice. For
pregnant women who are still in a lot of pain, start with over-the-counter
medications and then progress to medical options as needed.
Here are a few steps
you can follow:
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen to see if it helps relieve the pain. Pregnant women should avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin.
- Topical anesthetic cream may be an option.
- If that doesn't work, your doctor may prescribe a cortisone injection. However, you should talk to your doctor about the potential risks to you and your baby before considering this option.