What Do I Do If I Think I Have A Broken Elbow?

Question

It doesn't look deformed in any way, but it hurts (feels stuck) when I move it. I hit it yesterday while I was running on a tabletop. I'm not sure. Should I keep it straight (my comfort zone) or should I bend it (hurts)? Please don't just say doctor, elaborate.

No, it doesn't look swollen.

Answer 1

It might just be a bad sprain. But if it feels out of place, go see a Dr and get an X-ray done. Prolonged non-treatment in fractures can result in uneven healing, which can lead to a crooked limb. It can also lead to infection, first of the injured area, then into the blood and bones. You really don't want that. So instead of trying to endure and wait it out, I suggest you get it checked out. If it's simply out of the joint, the Dr. can then set it back for you too. In the meantime, try not to move the joint at all. You don't know what it is yet, and movement can cause further injury. Immobilise the joint as much as you can in a sling till the dr has a chance to have a look at it.
Take care.

Answer 2

The correct position to keep the elbow in is at 90 degrees with your palm facing you. Try applying an ice pack for 20 minutes every hour to help the bruise and swelling. But, you really should go and have an x-ray done to see if it is fractured. Most people seem to think that a fracture is not an actual broken bone, but they are one in the same so go and see about yourself ok.

Answer 3

Well i was going to say go to the doctor but you said not to.. If it isn't swollen it is most likely just bruised. you may have a tendon pulled which makes it feel stuck.. that also needs a doctor but put some heat on it and hope that it straightens it's self back up.. You have to use it to make what ever is catching in there loosen up and go back where it belongs. Are you going to run on the table tops again?

Answer 4

For any injury putting an ice pack and elevation helps to reduce inflammation and swelling. Even though it doesn't appear swollen, there could be some inflammation and swelling in the joint that is making it difficult to move. An anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen may also help. For any serious injuries or for severe pain you need to see a doctor.

Answer 5

Emergency room. now.


Might be broken, could be the joint popped out of the socket, could just be a standard painful injury.

the thing is , that the right thing for you to do to make it ( let it) heal depends on what the actual situation is. that need a a medical diagnosis.

the scary part is that whether you bend it, or keep it straight - either could result in it healing "frozen" so you will loose the ability to move it at all.

Answer 6

Probably isn't broken, but because it's a joint you need to give it as much rest as possible. If you put it in a sling you'll be less apt to use it however what probably is going to be the biggest problem is when it starts getting stiff. Ice it often to keep any swelling away and try not to lift anything with it.

Answer 7

Go to the doctor and have an x-ray.

I know you said don't just say doctor, but there's not much you can tell about your bones without an x-ray.

If it bothers you bad, and you're having trouble bending it, then you need to have a professional check it out.

Answer 8

I just broke mine a few weeks ago, It hurts and all but there really isn't anything they can do for it, unless you want a cast. In time it will heal. So far I have broke 3 ribs, my pelvis, my collar bone and my ankle and never even went to the doctor

Answer 9

Look....if you're having difficulty moving your elbow, go to a doctor. It may be bruised and things will take care of themselves. You also could have chipped a bone. Why take a chance??????

Answer 10

Do you feel grinding with motion? at the elbow.. You may have just strained the muscle or tore a tendon or ligament..