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Elbow trauma - Elbow contusion

Very low urgency
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Injury to the elbow resulting from the action of an external force or energy, without causing a fracture. The most frequent causes are: fall, accident or blow with or without a weapon. It manifests with pain, inflammation and/or tingling that can radiate towards the hand. For diagnosis, the specialist will perform a physical examination that may be complemented with imaging tests. The treatment of pain with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs is the fundamental therapeutic pillar; it is recommended to keep the limb up and not force it or make sudden movements until it recovers.
Bibliographic references
  1. N. Kulund D. Lesiones del deportista. Codo, muñeca y mano. Salvat S.A. 283-294.
  2. Brogdon BG. Little leaguers elbow. Am J Roetgenol. 83:671-675.
  3. Harris G. Elbow flexion strap for dislocated elbows. Athletic Training. 13(1):12.
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Evaluation of elbow pain in adults; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-elbow-pain-in-adults?source=search_result&search=contusion+codo&selectedTitle=1~150
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Symptoms

  • Elbow pain

  • Swollen elbow

  • Pain when outer elbow is touched

  • Pain in the inner side of the elbow

  • Bruising around the injury

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise does not disappear and/or worsens after 1 week
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Inability to move the extremity

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Keep the limb raised
Avoid sudden movements.
Check your symptoms and get a pre-diagnosis
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