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 fracture. The most common causes are: fall, accident or blow with or without a weapon. It presents with pain, swelling and/or tingling, which may radiate into the hand. The diagnosis is made by physical examination, which may be supplemented by imaging tests. Pain management with anti-inflammatories and analgesics is the basic therapeutic approach. It is also recommended to keep the limb elevated and not to exert force or make sudden movements until it has recovered.

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 region of the elbow is touched


    Pain in the inner side of the elbow


    Bruising around the injury

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise doesn't disappear and/or worsens after a week
Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Inability to move the extremity

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Keep the limb raised
Avoid doing abrupt movements.