WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
An elbow dislocation occurs when the bones in the elbow
are pulled apart, causing the ligaments that keep the bones
together to stretch or tear. It may take from 2 to 8 weeks for
the elbow to heal.
Causes
Most elbow dislocations are
caused by falling on an outstretched hand.
Signs/Symptoms
Your elbow will probably swell,
turn red, and be painful and difficult to move. It also may
look misshapen.
Care
Your doctor will order an x-ray
of the elbow. The bones may have to be put back into place,
and, if you have a really bad dislocation, you may need
surgery. After treatment, you will have to wear a splint or
sling to keep your elbow from moving. If you scratched or tore
some skin, you may also need a tetanus shot.
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.
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