What could cause my elbow to ache at night?

Your elbow might ache at night because of a few reasons. One possibility is tendon irritation, often seen in tennis elbow. When you sleep in a position that compresses or twists your elbow, it can worsen tendon inflammation. This extra pressure might delay healing and cause pain when you wake up. Another cause is medial elbow pain, which can happen when the tendons on the inside of your elbow become overworked or injured. This might lead to discomfort at night too. Additionally, pressure on the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of your elbow, might cause pain. When you lie on your elbow or keep it bent for a long time, the nerve can be compressed, leading to aching, tingling, or numbness. To help ease the pain during the night, you might consider adjusting your sleep position or using a pillow to support your arm. If you're experiencing persistent elbow pain and want to better understand what might be causing it, try our free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about your symptoms. Remember, if the pain continues or gets worse, it's a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider for a proper evaluation.