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Elbow Contusion

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

Elbow tissues, including blood vessels, muscles, tendons, nerves, olecranon bursa, connective tissue and covering to bone (periosteum). Periosteum injury is particularly common in elbow contusions.

Causes

• Direct blow to the elbow, usually from a blunt object.
• Failing on the elbow

Signs & Symptoms

• Swelling in the elbow-either superficial or deep.
• Pain and tenderness over the elbow.
• Feeling of firmness when pressure Is exerted at the Injury site.
• Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
• Restricted elbow activity proportional to the extent of injury.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.

• Wrap an elasticized bandage over a felt pad on the injured area. Keep the area compressed for about 72 hours.
• Immobilize the arm in a sling.
• Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area 20 minutes at a time.
• After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better.Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers , heating pads, heat liniments or ointments or whirlpool treatments.
• Massage gently and often from wrist toward shoulder to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

Home Diet

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.

Prevention

Wear appropriate protective gear and equipment, such as elbow pads, during competition or other athletic activity if there is risk of an elbow contusion.

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