“Elbow pain?”
I slipped on ice and fell hard yesterday, I caught myself with my left hand. I felt the impact in my hand and in my left elbow, which never hit the ground, my hand is fine but my elbow is getting worse. Over the course of the day it got so sore I had trouble extending my arm and I can’t put any pressure on it at all i.e. pushing a door open. What happened and what can I do to help it heal faster?
Male | 26 years old
Medications: None
Conditions: None
6 Answers
Sounds like you would need some imaging to rule out a potential fracture....once that is ruled out then more than likely you have a severe sprain.....
I would suggest based on your description to get an x-ray of your elbow. You may not have hit the elbow on the ground but the impact affected the elbow and have caused damage. Getting an x-ray would rule in or rule out a fracture.
It sounds as if you may have hyperextended your elbow when you fell into the outstretched arm. This is one of the ways people break their wrist or elbow. Hopefully, it’s just a strain/sprain. I recommend icing the elbow and resting it for a few days while it heals. Ibuprofen may help ease the pain and inflammation. If there is a lot of bruising, you should get an X-ray to see if there is a fracture. Function should improve within the next few days. If not, see a doctor.
Good luck and take care,
Dr. Eric Miller
Good luck and take care,
Dr. Eric Miller
You want to think of the jamming impact (to put into simple terms) of the elbow, or could possibly hyperextend the elbow in the process.
Get an X-ray, you may have a dislocation. Also, get some yaktraks so you don't slip on ice. $20 and well worth it.
Even though you didn’t fall on the elbow directly the force from the impact of your hand up your arm to the elbow could still cause damage. If there is persistent pain go and get an X-ray and ensure there is no fracture or damage. Then seek some sort of care based on your preference. I’d recommend a chiropractor but others have sought out accupuncture or physical therapy. But regardless of the care you seek out... ensure it is safe to treat by getting the appropriate diagnostics!
