Elbow injuries are common in everyday life, especially for those who play sports or do manual labor. Falls, collisions, or sudden impacts can cause elbow injuries.
Knowing how to provide first aid for elbow injuries is critical in helping the injured person recover and avoid further complications. Here are some essential first-aid tips for everyone to keep in mind when dealing with elbow injuries and where you can for elbow injury treatment in Walnut Creek.
Elbow Injuries
The elbow is a complex joint where three bones meet: the humerus (upper arm bone), the radius, and the ulna (two forearm bones). An injury to any of these bones or the surrounding muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause pain and limit mobility.
Elbow injuries can result from a direct blow, a fall on an outstretched arm, or overuse in activities requiring repetitive motion, such as tennis or golf. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the elbow.
First Aid for Elbow Injuries
If an elbow injury occurs, responding quickly and effectively is crucial to prevent further damage. Here are the key steps to take:
Assess the Injury
One of the crucial steps to take when you sustain an elbow injury is to assess the injury’s severity. Is the injury minor or severe? Does the elbow look deformed, or is there a lot of swelling and tenderness around the joint?
If you notice any visible deformity or dislocation, seek medical attention immediately.
Stop the Bleeding, If there is
Elbow injuries can result in bleeding, depending on the severity of the trauma. If the wound is bleeding, you must stop it immediately to prevent further blood loss.
Use a clean cloth or bandage to apply pressure on the wound for 10-15 minutes until the bleeding stops. You can also elevate the affected limb to slow down blood flow.
Rest and Keep Still
Next, rest and keep the affected area still. Move away from any hazards or danger, and do not attempt to move the elbow joint. Moving your elbow can cause more harm to the injury and can also result in other parts of your body interfering with the affected area.
You can immobilize the elbow by supporting it with a brace or sling, which will help avoid aggravating the injury.
Apply Ice
After resting, apply some ice to the affected elbow to reduce swelling and discomfort. You can use ice packs or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel.
Place it on the injured area for 15-20 minutes several times a day. Apply ice for the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury. Keeping the injury cool will also help reduce inflammation and minimize pain.
Compress and Elevate the Injury
Apply proper compression to the affected site by wrapping the area with an elastic bandage or cloth. It should be firm enough to keep the elbow stable but not tight enough to cut off circulation.
Rest the affected arm on a pillow or elevate it to reduce swelling. Keeping the affected area raised higher than the heart helps reduce blood flow to the area, preventing further swelling.
Take Pain Medication
If the elbow pain is unbearable, you may take over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. However, avoid taking medication that can thin your blood, such as aspirin, as it could cause excessive bleeding.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While minor elbow injuries can often be managed at home, more serious injuries require medical attention. Seek immediate elbow injury treatment if:
- There is severe pain or swelling.
- The elbow looks deformed.
- You can’t move your elbow.
- The elbow injury causes numbness or tingling in the hand or arm.
- The elbow injury is caused by severe force, such as a car accident or a high fall.
Elbow Injury Treatment Near Me in Walnut Creek
If you have sustained an elbow injury or have persistent pain, visit our highly trained and skilled orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Laura Timmerman, for comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment. Our orthopedic surgeon is an expert in treating elbow ligament tears, tennis elbow and golfer elbow, bicep tendon ruptures, and other elbow injuries.
To know more about our orthopedic surgeon or schedule a consultation for elbow injury treatment, call us today at (925) 952-4080 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
