Table of Contents
Last updated June 11, 2022
Care Plan
1
First steps to consider
- You can usually treat mild to moderate symptoms of an elbow sprain with ice, compression, and pain relievers (Tylenol or NSAIDs).
- Avoid activities that put pressure or stress on the elbow or aggravate symptoms.
2
When you may need a provider
- You’ve tried home treatments for 10–14 days and it’s not helping.
- It hurts to move your elbow or use your arm to perform everyday tasks.
Emergency Care
Go to the ER if you have any of these symptoms:
- Severe pain and not able to move the elbow
- Pain, redness, or swelling—may be a sign of an infection
What is an elbow sprain?
An elbow sprain is an injury to one or more of the ligaments around the elbow. Elbow ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect the bones of your upper arm and lower arm around your elbow joint. An elbow sprain typically occurs when the arm experiences sudden, forceful stretching during physical activity or an accident.
Rarity: Common
Treatment
You should ice and rest your elbow using the RICE method (rest, ice, use compression, and elevate it). If the pain is too intense, using NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen can relieve the pain.
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Dr. Rothschild has been a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital where he is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. He currently practices as a hospitalist at Newton Wellesley Hospital. In 1978, Dr. Rothschild received his MD at the Medical College of Wisconsin and trained in internal medicine followed by a fellowship in critical care medicine. He also received an MP...
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