Question 1

fell on elbow, diagnosis w bursitis. 2 weeks of motrin/ice. inner forearm swollen, not tip if the elbow. also have a sm fluid filled sac in the area. normal?

Accepted Answer

Normal: Sounds like classic olecranon bursitis. Avoid any friction across your elbow. Try using elbow pads if you can't avoid placing friction across your elbow. It could take weeks to months to resolve and you are predisposed to having it again in the future. Draining the fluid is usually a waste of time.

Question 2

fell on elbow & forearm 2 days ago. forearm has 2 knots around muscle area small 1 &  a bigger 1. hurts to move arm certain ways & hurts to lift items. there seems to be no swelling but there is a burning sensation around knotted areas. tender 2  tou?

Accepted Answer

Forearm injury exam: I'm unsure as to what those knots are. They could be blood collections under the skin(hematomas). Absence of swelling is somewhat reassuring against the presence of a fracture. Sprain and contusions may be the extent of the injury, but I recommend an examination by a physician. An xray may be ordered depending upon the exam findings.

Question 3

fell on elbow, diagnosis w bursitus after x-ray. no swelling improvement after 3 days w ice/motrin. some hand numbness and limited fx. normal?

Accepted Answer

Elbow bursitis: After trauma may take some time to resolve. In the absence of infection, patience is needed. A gentle compressive sleeve or elvow pad may help comress the tissues and avoid repeat trauma but just as long as the skin  does not irritated and the elbow does not get stiff. Ice and nsaids work well. For chronic issues an injection with cortisine or for very refractory cases a sclerosing agent may help.

Question 4

i fell on elbow and was diagnosed with bursitis after an x-ray. there is no swelling and there is improvement after 3 days with motrin/ice. i also have hand numbness and limited functionality. is it normal?

Accepted Answer

Could be: A trauma bad enough to cause bursal swelling could also be putting some pressure on the ulnar nerve on the inside of the elbow.  This could cause some numbness in the ring and small finger of the hand.  Keep up with the Motrin and ice.  If numbness does not go away in a few weeks, get it checked out.

Question 5

fell on my elbow huts to touch and can't  extend it all the way?

Accepted Answer

See a specialist: See an orthopaedic surgeon who cares for elbows. Injuries often can restrict motion. Appropriate treatment may restore movement or at least preserve it in a functional range.

Question 6

my 18 months boy fell on his elbow and its now swollen?

Accepted Answer

Depends on severity: Toddlers fall down all the time, but fortunately they rarely get seriously hurt. When a young child falls on an arm or leg, there can be a bruise and mild swelling. If there is a big lump, and especially if the child doesn't want to move the limp in the normal manner, there may be a fracture or may be a dislocation at the joint. His pediatrician can help, or the ER doctor can evaluate.

Question 7

i fell on my elbow and immediately got swollen, ive taken anti inflammatory pills but this has not helped. the incident happened 4 weeks ago ?

Accepted Answer

Trauma: Since you have swelling and discomfort that is persistent after trauma, please get evaluated by a physician. You may need X-ray of the elbow. In the meantime, take anti-inflammatory medication and try icing the area.

Question 8

my son fell on he' elbow yesterday in the park, it hurts, but hard to say how bad, swollen, he can bend he's arm as he is using it ok now hurts little?

Accepted Answer

Elbow pain: Sounds like he contused his elbow by your description.  If he has any problems with range of motion or increasing pain or swelling do not hesitate to have it checked and possibly frayed.  Expect by your description that he should be fine in a couple of days.

Question 9

i fell on my elbow on concrete 6 weeks ago and  it is still tender to touch but ok to move.  should i get an x-ray?

Accepted Answer

If worried: if you can move the joint after 6 weeks you could have had a non-displaced fracture that is healing and there is not much they will do.  If the movement is decreased any see your physician and get an X-ray

Question 10

i fell on my elbow and scratched it badly. it's very painful and a little swollen. is ice the best treatment? if not what?

Accepted Answer

Apply ice packs for: 1st 2 days then warm packs, take otc Motrin or aleve (naproxen) for pain, clean scratch with peroxide then apply neosporin , apply ace wrap to minimize swelling. Consider seeing your dr for an x-ray if  there's decrease range of motion or increase in pain and redness, presence of fever or pus etc. Hope u feel better soon!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Fell on elbow

A member asked:

Fell on elbow, diagnosis w bursitis. 2 weeks of motrin/ice. inner forearm swollen, not tip if the elbow. also have a sm fluid filled sac in the area. normal?

A member asked:

Fell on elbow & forearm 2 days ago. forearm has 2 knots around muscle area small 1 & a bigger 1. hurts to move arm certain ways & hurts to lift items. there seems to be no swelling but there is a burning sensation around knotted areas. tender 2 tou?

A member asked:

Fell on elbow, diagnosis w bursitus after x-ray. no swelling improvement after 3 days w ice/motrin. some hand numbness and limited fx. normal?

A member asked:

I fell on elbow and was diagnosed with bursitis after an x-ray. there is no swelling and there is improvement after 3 days with motrin/ice. i also have hand numbness and limited functionality. is it normal?

A member asked:

Fell on my elbow huts to touch and can't extend it all the way?

A member asked:

My 18 months boy fell on his elbow and its now swollen?

A member asked:

I fell on my elbow and immediately got swollen, ive taken anti inflammatory pills but this has not helped. the incident happened 4 weeks ago ?

A member asked:

My son fell on he' elbow yesterday in the park, it hurts, but hard to say how bad, swollen, he can bend he's arm as he is using it ok now hurts little?

A member asked:

I fell on my elbow on concrete 6 weeks ago and it is still tender to touch but ok to move. should i get an x-ray?

A member asked:

I fell on my elbow and scratched it badly. it's very painful and a little swollen. is ice the best treatment? if not what?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?