Elbow Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

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 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.

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