Dislocated Elbow

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Apply ice to the injury for 15 to 20 minutes each hour for the first 1 to 2 days. Put the ice in a plastic bag and place a towel between the bag of ice and your skin.
• After the first 1 to 2 days, you may put heat on the injury to help ease the pain. Use a heating pad (set on low), a whirlpool bath, or warm, moist towels for 15 to 20 minutes every hour for 48 hours.
• For 48 hours, keep your arm lifted above the level of your heart whenever possible to reduce the pain and swelling.
• Wear your splint until your doctor says you may take it off or until your follow-up examination. If your fingers get numb or tingly, you may need to loosen the splint. Call your doctor for instructions if you don't know how.
• If the doctor prescribes pain medicine that makes you drowsy, don't drive. You also may take over-the-counter medicines for pain. Take all medications exactly as directed.
• If you have been given a tetanus shot, your arm may get swollen, red, and warm to the touch at the shot site. This is a normal reaction to the medicine in the shot.

Call Your Doctor If...

• The pain or swelling gets worse.
• You have trouble moving your elbow once the splint comes off.
• The bones in your elbow pop in and out of place more than once.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• Your arm feels numb or cold and looks pale.