Elbow Injuries
When To See a Doctor
You have answered Yes to:
Do you have any signs of infection in your elbow?
See significance of signs of infection 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 Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around your elbow?
Yes Do you have severe pain when you move your elbow?
Yes Do you have red streaks extending from your elbow?
Yes Is your elbow tender to the touch?
Yes Do you have drainage of pus from your elbow?
Yes Do you know or think you have a fever?
Yes Do you have diabetes?
Yes Do you have peripheral arterial disease?
Yes Do you have a disease or take a medicine that causes problems with your immune system?
Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.
Yes Do you have any signs of a skin infection around your elbow?
You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.
Yes Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the elbow after 24 hours of home treatment?
Yes Do you have swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpit after 24 hours of home treatment?
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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