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Elbow trauma - Elbow contusion

Very low urgency
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Injury to the elbow resulting from the action of an external force or energy, without causing a fracture. The most frequent causes are: fall, accident or blow with or without a weapon. It manifests with pain, inflammation and/or tingling that can radiate towards the hand. For diagnosis, the specialist will perform a physical examination that may be complemented with imaging tests. The treatment of pain with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs is the fundamental therapeutic pillar; it is recommended to keep the limb up and not force it or make sudden movements until it recovers.
Bibliographic references
  1. N. Kulund D. Lesiones del deportista. Codo, muñeca y mano. Salvat S.A. 283-294.
  2. Brogdon BG. Little leaguers elbow. Am J Roetgenol. 83:671-675.
  3. Harris G. Elbow flexion strap for dislocated elbows. Athletic Training. 13(1):12.
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Evaluation of elbow pain in adults; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/evaluation-of-elbow-pain-in-adults?source=search_result&search=contusion+codo&selectedTitle=1~150
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Symptoms

    Elbow pain

    Swollen elbow

    Pain when outer elbow is touched

    Pain in the inner side of the elbow

    Bruising around the injury

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise does not disappear and/or worsens after 1 week
Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Inability to move the extremity

Self-care

Take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold to the injured area 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Keep the limb raised
Avoid sudden movements.
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