Simple Elbow Injury
Simple Elbow Injury
Patient Information
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Therapy Service, Trauma and Orthopaedics
- Author ID: BH / VL
- Leaflet ref: Musc 073
- Version: 3
- Leaflet title: Simple Elbow Injury
- Date Produced: March 2024
- Expiry date: March 2026
Injury to the Elbow
Injuries to the elbow are common. A clinician has reviewed the injury (and any x-rays). You / your child have injured some of the soft tissues (skin, muscles, ligaments, capsule surrounding the joint) and / or may have a small break in the bone that cannot be seen on X-Ray.
These injuries can result in a painful, stiff elbow, sometimes with swelling or bruising, but it should improve without any follow-up needed. It can however take up to 6 weeks or more for full function to return.
Warning!
Elbows become stiff very quickly. This injury is safe to exercise and if slings are worn or movement of the elbow is not attempted early on, then the risk of elbow stiffness is high.
Slings
If a sling has been provided, this should be removed for exercise. A sling is for early support and should not be used for longer than needed (approximately 2 weeks). It may be useful when outside in public but try to remove it as soon as possible.
Exercise Advice
It is very important to keep the elbow mobile, and to slowly increase movement. We have included some exercises to help. You should do the exercises several times per day. It helps to watch the elbow crease (line on the front of the elbow). When elbows are sore or stiff, the shoulder or wrist often moves instead of the elbow; by watching the crease, you can make sure it is the elbow that is moving.
You should be guided by your symptoms. Rest your elbow when it is sore and use it for light function as comfortable.
General Advice
You can use over the counter painkillers e.g. paracetamol and or ibuprofen to ease any discomfort, and to help you return to normal function.
Some patients find that ice packs help with the pain and swelling. You should only apply an ice pack to skin if the skin has normal sensation, and the skin is not broken, damaged or cut. Always place a damp towel on your skin under the ice pack and check the skin regularly for signs of ice burn, such as excessive redness, other change in the skin’s colour, or blistering. Apply for no longer than 15-20 minutes.
A single layer of elastic sleeve bandage, e.g. Tubigrip® may help support your elbow, but this is not always needed. This should not be tight. It should be used only during the day. It should be removed if any fingers change colour or have altered sensation.
Exercises
Repeat this exercise frequently throughout the day. It should not cause pain. You may feel that the exercise eases any discomfort that you have. Ideally you should exercise your elbow every 1-2 hours.
Further advice
Get in touch with the fracture clinic if:
- there is any locking (elbow getting stuck in one position)
- there is ongoing wobbliness or clumsiness
- there is any numbness or tingling after 1 week
- pain persists or gets worse despite taking pain killers
- the wound becomes increasingly red, hot, painful, or discharge is visible
You should return to normal function by 6 weeks after your injury, though some people may take longer, and children are often quicker to heal.
If your symptoms are not improving or you have any concerns, please contact:
Fracture Clinic Physiotherapy Team: 01942 822103
Fracture Clinic: 01942 822595
Adult MSK Physiotherapy Self-Referral
If you are over 16, you can also now self-refer into Physiotherapy by ringing any of the departments below:
Boston House Health Centre Telephone 01942 482260
Leigh Infirmary Telephone 01942 483413
Platt Bridge Health Centre Telephone 01942 482403
A referral form can also be found on this webpage:
https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/adult-msk-physiotherapy-self-referral
Please scan the QR Code to access the website.