About this topic
Elbow sprains happen when a ligament in your elbow is injured or torn. Ligaments are strong, elastic-like fibers that keep the bones connected and steady. A sprain is most often caused by suddenly moving or twisting the elbow during sports or accidents. This may happen during a fall or playing a sport like tennis or basketball. Treatment of an elbow sprain may depend on how bad it is. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Rest. Do not put any pressure on your elbow until your doctor tells you it is OK.
- Prop your arm on pillows to help with swelling.
- Place an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel over the painful part. Never put ice right on the skin. Do not leave the ice on more than 10 to 15 minutes at a time.
- If you have a sling, wear it as you have been told by your doctor. Make sure to move your arm and shoulder from time to time. This will help to keep from getting shoulder problems, like a frozen shoulder
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you are wearing a brace or splint, ask your doctor when it will be removed.
- Your doctor may send you to physical therapy to help you heal faster.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
Will physical activity be limited?
- You should not do physical activity that makes your health problem worse. Talk to your doctor if you work out or play sports. You may not be able to do those things until your pain gets better. Ask your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Ask your doctor when it is okay to drive or return to work.
What problems could happen?
Pain does not get better ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
- Prevent falls by not standing on chairs or other unstable things. Remove throw rugs, electric cords, and other objects from floor areas that may cause falls.
- Wear proper padding and safety gear when playing sports or doing other activities.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling gets worse
- Splint gets damaged or breaks
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Wear supportive wraps if you need to do heavy lifting. This may lessen the strain on your elbow joint.
- Try to gently massage your elbow and arms after doing hard activities.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my pain.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have more pain or swelling.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00304 ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚