Elbow injuries can range from minor bumps to more serious bone breaks. Differentiating between a bruised elbow and a fractured one can be challenging, as both involve pain and swelling. Understanding the specific characteristics of each type of injury is important for determining the right course of action and ensuring proper recovery.
Recognizing a Bruised Elbow
A bruised elbow, also known as an elbow contusion, typically results from a direct impact or fall onto the elbow. The primary symptoms include localized pain and tenderness when the area is touched. Swelling, which is often mild to moderate, can develop around the affected joint.
Discoloration may appear as pink, red, purple, or even yellowish hues, changing over several days as the bruise heals. While movement of the elbow and arm might be uncomfortable, it is generally still possible, though perhaps with some stiffness. The pain associated with a bruised elbow usually lessens progressively over a few days to a week, with full healing typically occurring within two to four weeks.
Identifying a Fractured Elbow
A fractured elbow presents with distinct and often more severe symptoms compared to a bruise. Individuals usually experience intense, immediate pain that does not subside, often accompanied by a “snap” or “pop” sound at the moment of injury. Significant swelling and bruising can appear rapidly and may extend beyond the immediate elbow area, sometimes reaching the shoulder or forearm.
A visible deformity is a strong indicator of a fracture. Movement of the arm or elbow, especially attempting to straighten or bend it, becomes severely limited or impossible due to extreme pain and instability. Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers may also occur, suggesting possible nerve involvement. A grinding or popping sensation during any attempted movement after the injury further points towards a bone fracture.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Certain symptoms following an elbow injury serve as “red flags” and necessitate immediate professional medical assessment. If there is severe pain that prevents any movement of the elbow or arm, or if a visible deformity is present, medical attention should be sought promptly. Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers, or an open wound near the injury, also warrant immediate care.
Inability to use the arm at all, or if symptoms such as pain, swelling, or limited mobility worsen rather than improve over time, are further indicators for medical consultation. A doctor will typically perform a physical examination to assess the injury and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, to accurately diagnose the extent of the damage and confirm the presence of a fracture.