Elbow Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

Content provided by Healthwise

When to See a Doctor

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.

Last updated:	April 03, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer