#医学生Medic[超话]#

🔈 ELBOW SPRAIN

An elbow sprain occurs when the elbow ligaments are stretched and partly torn. A ruptured ligament can cause instability in the affected area.

The ligament sprains are graded: A Grade 1 injury is a stretch of the ligaments, Grade 2 is a partial tear and Grade 3 is a complete rupture.

▶️ Signs and Symptoms

Immediate pain will be felt with an elbow sprain and swelling may become noticeable. The greater the pain and swelling often the longer the healing process will take.

With a mild sprain the elbow will become tender and stiffen. A greater sprain will cause the skin of the affected area to become red, while the elbow will experience tenderness, warmth and bruising.

A severe elbow sprain will cause heightened pain and limit ability to move the elbow.

Instability of the elbow occurs if it dislocates which can result in deformity of the elbow. This requires urgent reduction of the joint to prevent further damage.

▶️ Treatment – non-operative

There are a number of non-surgical treatments that can be applied to an elbow sprain including rest, ice, pain-relieving medication and bandage support.

Rest
The affected elbow should avoid activity that could provoke pain or increase stress.

Ice
An ice pack can be applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce pain and swelling. If the elbow becomes excessively swollen recovery will be longer.

Pain-relieving medication
Tablets and creams applied to the skin will help relieve pain.

Bandage Support
Firm bandaging, plaster, sling or a brace protects and restricts the injured elbow keeping it comfortable and ensuring a quicker healing process. However limiting movement beyond two weeks following injury should be avoided to prevent permanent stiffness.

▶️ Recovery
Elbow sprains of a Grade 1 and Grade 2 nature will eventually settle after a few weeks with physical activity to be avoided during that period. A Grade 3 sprain may take up to three months to heal.

An exercise program should be implemented to help restore flexibility range of motion and strength in the elbow.