Hitting your elbow hard is a common and often startling experience, leading to immediate, sharp pain and a distinctive tingling sensation. While the initial discomfort can be intense, understanding the cause and knowing the appropriate steps can help manage the situation. This guide provides practical advice for immediate self-care and explains when to seek professional medical attention.
Immediate Self-Care Steps
Prompt action after hitting your elbow can reduce discomfort and prevent further issues. Rest the affected arm and avoid activities that worsen pain or stress the elbow. Limiting movement protects the injured area and promotes healing.
Apply cold therapy to manage swelling and pain. Place an ice pack, wrapped in a thin cloth, onto the injured elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Repeat every one to two hours for the first 24 to 48 hours.
Gentle compression can also be useful if swelling is present. Wrap the elbow snugly with an elastic bandage, ensuring it is firm enough for support but not restricting blood flow. Elevating the arm above heart level can help minimize swelling by encouraging fluid drainage. Prop your arm on pillows when sitting or lying down.
For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be taken as directed. These alleviate both pain and inflammation. Throughout this self-care period, observe your symptoms closely for any changes or worsening conditions.
Understanding the “Funny Bone” Sensation
The distinctive sensation from hitting your elbow is commonly called your “funny bone,” though it is not actually a bone. This feeling arises from an impact to the ulnar nerve, which runs superficially along the inner side of your elbow. Unlike most nerves, it is relatively unprotected at this specific point, lying in a groove between bones without much surrounding muscle or fat.
Because of its exposed position, even a light bump can compress the ulnar nerve against the bone. This irritates the nerve, leading to characteristic electric shock-like pain, tingling, and numbness. These sensations often radiate down the forearm to the hand, affecting the pinky and ring fingers. This uncomfortable sensation is typically temporary, resolving quickly as the nerve irritation subsides.
When to Seek Medical Care
While most elbow impacts cause only temporary discomfort, certain symptoms require professional medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if pain, numbness, or tingling persists for more than a few hours or days, or worsens over time. This could signal a more significant nerve irritation or injury.
Seek immediate medical attention for weakness in your hand or fingers, or difficulty moving your arm or elbow. Visible deformities, significant swelling, or extensive bruising around the elbow joint also warrant prompt assessment. Seek medical attention right away if you heard a “snap” or “pop” sound at the time of injury, or if there is any complete loss of sensation in your hand or fingers. Any open cuts or deep wounds near the elbow should also be evaluated by a healthcare professional to prevent infection and ensure proper healing. If concerned about the severity of your elbow injury, seeking professional advice is always prudent.