Elbow Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have swelling in or around the elbow?

See significance of swelling 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 the following question.

Yes

Do you have swelling and the skin below the swollen area is cold or pale?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has a lot of swelling developed within 30 minutes of an injury?

Yes

Has elbow swelling that is usual for you gotten worse?

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

Do you have moderate swelling after 48 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has mild swelling, without other symptoms, failed to improve after 1 week of home treatment?

Yes

Has long-term swelling gotten worse?

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