What happens if you fall hard on your elbow?

A bruised elbow, also referred to as an elbow contusion, is an injury to the soft tissue that covers the elbow. The injury damages some blood vessels, causing them to bleed. When this happens, blood collects under the skin, resulting in the discoloration known as a bruise.

What should you do if you fall on your elbow?

Self-care at Home

1. Rest your elbow. Avoid lifting anything with your arm and elbow.
2. Ice your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, 3 to 4 times a day. Wrap the ice in cloth.
3. Compress the area by wrapping it with an elastic bandage or compression wrap.
4. Elevate your elbow by raising it above the level of your heart.

What injuries can you get from falling on your elbow?

Similarly, elbow injuries such as a broken elbow, dislocation, fracture or elbow bursitis are caused by severe impact from falling. Elbow dislocation occurs when the forearm bone or ulna dislocates backward out of the joint, causing immediate pain and loss of range of motion.

Why cant I straighten my arm after a fall?

A person who cannot fully bend or straighten the elbow after an injury should see a doctor. Strain: A strain is the medical term used when muscles are torn or over-stretched. A more common term for this is a “pulled muscle.” Minor strains often heal with just time and rest. Surgery is rarely needed for a muscle strain.

How do you tell if elbow is broken or just bruised?

6 Signs of an Elbow Fracture

1. Swelling and bruising of the elbow.
2. Extreme pain.
3. Stiffness in and around the elbow.
4. Snap or pop at the time of the injury.
5. Visible deformity.
6. Numbness or weakness in the arm, wrist and hand.

Can I move my elbow if it’s broken?

If your elbow shows any of the following signs you may have a fracture or another injury that needs medical attention. Flexion and extension: You should be able to bend your elbow so that you can touch your shoulder with your fingertips. You also should be able to fully straighten your arm.

How do u know if you have fractured your elbow?

Pain, swelling, bruising and stiffness in and around the elbow may be signs of a possible fracture. A snap or pop at the time of injury may be felt or heard. Visible deformity might mean that the bones are out of place or that the elbow joint is dislocated. There may be numbness or weakness in the arm, wrist and hand.

What does it mean when it hurts to straighten your arm?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful inflammation of the elbow joint caused by repetitive stress (overuse). The pain is located on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow, but may radiate down the back of your forearm. You’ll likely feel the pain when you straighten or fully extend your arm.

Why does it hurt to straighten my arm on the inside?

Biceps tendinitis — Biceps tendinitis is the inflammation of your biceps tendon, which connects your biceps muscle to the inside of your elbow joint. Overexerting your elbow by lifting heavy objects can cause irritation to this tendon, which can be felt when trying to straighten or bend your elbow.

How do you know if elbow broken?