Elbow Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you feel or hear a snap or pop in your elbow?
See significance of feeling or hearing a snap or pop in the elbow if you need information to help you answer the questions below.
Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.
Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Does your elbow look twisted, bent, or out of its normal position?
Yes Are you unable to move your elbow normally?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have a lot of swelling within 30 minutes of the injury?
Yes Did you feel or hear a snap or pop in your injured elbow, but there are no changes in its appearance or movement?
Yes Since feeling or hearing a snap or pop, does your injured elbow feel loose or unstable?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Does your elbow snap or pop, causing pain during normal movement after 24 hours of home treatment?
You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Does your elbow snap or pop during normal movement but does not cause pain?
If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.
| Author: | Jan Nissl, RN, BS | Last Updated: April 3, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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