A bruised elbow is a common injury, resulting from direct impacts or falls. This type of injury is medically known as a contusion.
Understanding How Bruises Form
Bruises develop when small blood vessels, called capillaries, are damaged by an impact, causing blood to leak into the surrounding tissues. This pooled blood becomes trapped under the skin, leading to the visible discoloration characteristic of a bruise.
The elbow’s anatomy, with its bony prominence and relatively thin skin, makes it particularly vulnerable to such injuries, as there is less protective fat and muscle to cushion a blow.
The color changes observed in a bruise are a natural part of the healing process as the body breaks down the leaked blood. Initially, a bruise often appears red or purplish because of fresh, oxygen-rich blood pooling beneath the skin. Within one to two days, as the blood loses oxygen and begins to break down, the bruise typically turns blue, black, or a darker shade.
Over the next five to ten days, the body continues to metabolize the hemoglobin in the blood, leading to green or yellow hues due to the production of compounds like biliverdin and bilirubin. Finally, after about 10 to 14 days, the bruise may appear yellowish-brown or light brown before fading completely as the blood is reabsorbed.
Identifying an Elbow Bruise
Immediately following an impact, sharp pain is common at the injury site. The most noticeable sign is skin discoloration, which progresses through various shades from red to purple, blue, green, and yellow as the bruise heals.
Along with discoloration, a bruised elbow typically presents with tenderness, particularly when the area is touched. Swelling around the elbow is also a common symptom. Pain may intensify with movement of the arm or direct pressure on the affected area.
Caring for Your Bruised Elbow
Managing a bruised elbow at home often involves following the R.I.C.E. protocol: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Resting the injured elbow helps prevent further damage and allows the healing process to begin. Avoiding activities that strain the arm or elbow is generally recommended.
Applying ice to the bruised area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, particularly within the first 24 to 48 hours, can help reduce swelling and pain. It is important to wrap the ice pack in a thin towel to protect the skin and not apply it directly. Gentle compression with an elastic bandage can also help minimize swelling, ensuring it is snug but not overly tight.
Elevating the injured arm above the heart, especially during the first 48 hours, aids in reducing swelling by promoting fluid drainage away from the bruise. For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can be effective. Most elbow bruises heal within two to four weeks, though more severe cases might take longer.
When to Consult a Doctor
You should consult a doctor if you experience severe pain that does not subside or worsens over time. Significant swelling or an obvious deformity around the elbow joint warrants a professional evaluation.
Other concerning symptoms include an inability to move your arm or elbow normally, numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers, or signs of infection such as increased redness, warmth, or pus. If the bruise does not show signs of improvement after a week or two, or if new bruises appear without a clear cause, seeking medical advice is advisable. These symptoms could suggest underlying issues such as a fracture, sprain, or other complications that require specific medical intervention.