Elbow Problems, Noninjury

Emergencies

Yes	Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Elbow or arm pain with chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is increasing in intensity, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack. After calling 911  or other emergency services:
  • If the person becomes unconscious, see Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) in the topic Dealing With Emergencies.
  • If emergency medical personnel, such as paramedics, are not going to arrive soon and the person is awake, alert, not vomiting, and not allergic to aspirin, have the person chew and swallow one 325 mg adult aspirin. Be sure to tell emergency personnel that aspirin has been taken.
• Sudden arm weakness with loss of function

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• Elbow injury: Go to the topic Elbow Injuries.
• Chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.

Yes	Do you have elbow pain or tenderness?
Yes	Is your forearm, wrist, or hand pale, white, blue, or cold?
Yes	Do you have numbness or tingling in or below the elbow?
Yes	Are you unable to move your elbow normally?
Yes	Do you have swelling in or around the elbow?
Yes	Do you feel or hear a snap or pop in your elbow?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

If you have an arm problem, go to the topic Arm Problems, Noninjury.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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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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