There are numerous ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the elbow joint. Injury can happen to any of these because of direct trauma. Hitting your elbow on something or jarring it (Jarring is where elbow bends or straightens in a direction it shouldn’t).
For the first 48-72 hours we suggest POLICE treatment:
Protection - It is important that you look after your elbow; don’t play contact sport or undertake any fast or sudden movements; avoid movements which makes the pain in the elbow worse.
Optimal Loading - Only use your elbow where it is comfortable. Avoid heavy lifting. If it hurts, don’t do it!
Ice - Use an ice pack or frozen peas over the injured elbow in ten minutely intervals for approximately an hour a day, this should reduce swelling and inflammation. Please ensure ice is used with caution and never placed directly onto skin. A tea towel can be used as a first layer on your skin. After ten minutes of use, ensure your skin is allowed time to warm back up to normal temperature then reapply.
Compression - Use a simple elastic bandage to support your elbow initially. This will make it more stable and help with swelling. Always make sure that you remove the bandage at night.
Elevation - You should raise your affected elbow to the level of your heart or higher (if you are able to) as often as possible. This should reduce swelling and inflammation.
By this point your elbow may feel slightly better; the key now is to start moving the joint. Doing some gentle movements such as bending and straightening the joint and turning your hand to face downwards and upwards can help.
Simple analgesics can be used after injury, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:
You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.
Most injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.
You may have been given a follow-up appointment with an elbow specialist or physiotherapist. It is important that you keep your appointment to make sure your elbow fully recovers.
If you have any ongoing concerns or queries about your elbow injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP. If your concern is an emergency, attend your local Emergency Department.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation. You are not permitted to smoke or in use e-cigarettes in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.
