Elbow sprain

Synonym for sprain:

• Strain
  

What is an elbow sprain?

A sprain is a stretch or tear of one or more ligaments in the elbow. When a ligament is stretched or torn, it can cause bleeding in the joint, which can lead to swelling and bruising.

What is a ligament?

A ligament is a tissue that holds bones together. We have hundreds of ligaments throughout our bodies, connecting each of our bones to stabilize them.

What causes an elbow sprain?

A sprain is always caused by an accident, a blow, or a twist. There must be a clear traumatic event.

Common causes of elbow sprains include:

• Falling on the elbow or hand
• A sudden, rapid twist of the elbow (for example, when your arm gets stuck while your body continues to move forward).

Therefore, if the pain appeared slowly and gradually, without any clear accident, it is not a sprain.

What are the symptoms of an elbow sprain?

The main symptoms are:

• Elbow pain that appeared after a fall or accident
• Weakness and pain in the arm when lifting loads and clenching the fist
• Pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending and straightening the elbow.
• There may or may not be swelling and bruising.
  

How is an elbow sprain diagnosed?

Diagnosis is possible through a review of your symptoms and a clinical examination. Depending on the severity of the injury, an X-ray may be necessary to rule out a fracture.

If you experience any of the following signs, you should get an X-ray to rule out a possible fracture:

• Inability to fully extend your elbow
• Visible deformity of the elbow
• The pain has not improved after 7-10 days.

Did you know that physiotherapists can prescribe X-rays if the injury occurred less than 72 hours ago? If you do not have quick access to a doctor, you can obtain this prescription from a physiotherapist.

When should I see a physiotherapist for an elbow sprain?

You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.

"If you've had an accident that caused your pain, you should promptly consult a physiotherapist who can guide you toward the best course of action."

You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.

What physiotherapy treatments are available for an elbow sprain?

As with all traumatic injuries, we must allow the body to perform its natural healing process.

« Inflammation is a normal and necessary process for proper healing. There is therefore no miracle way to speed up healing. »

However, it is very important to make sure to eliminate any factors that could slow down healing. Here are some examples of things that could slow down healing:

• Improper dosage of exercises and daily activities
• Poor biomechanics of your movements
• Stiffness in the joints, muscles, and nerves
• Worries or fears related to the injury or pain

« For this reason, your physiotherapist can help you optimize the healing of the injury. They will be able to guide you in the best possible direction to ensure that the injury heals effectively. »

Think of healing from a traumatic injury like taking care of a plant. Pulling on the plant won't make it grow faster. However, you can make sure it gets enough water, sunlight, and fertilizer. We want to put the plant in a good environment to heal. It's the same for a traumatic injury.

Your physiotherapist will perform an assessment to determine your limitations and the severity of the sprain by evaluating the following elements:

• Your joint mobility
• The gliding of your nerves
• The quality of your movements
• Your strength and stability

Based on the assessment results and the stage of the injury's healing, your physiotherapist will:

• Will mobilize your elbow to reduce pain and improve your movement.
• Provide you with specific exercises to increase elbow mobility, reduce pain, and improve movement control and muscle strength.
• Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
• Give you advice for your posture and movements.

In some cases, it may be necessary to immobilize the elbow for a certain period using a splint. If this is the case, the physiotherapist will work with your doctor or orthopedist to manage the immobilization period.

What can I do at home for an elbow sprain?

As with any traumatic injury, follow the PEACE and LOVE principles. Read the blog post on PEACE and LOVE (coming soon), and then read the advice here that applies to elbow sprains.

PEACE and LOVE tips specific to elbow sprains:

(make sure you have read the blog post that explains the PEACE and LOVE steps in detail)

For P = Protection:

You can use a triangular bandage to support your arm for 24-48 hours to reduce pain.

For C = Compression:

Use a compression bandage or tape to wrap your elbow, extending the bandage about 10 cm above and below the elbow.

For L = Load:

Start moving the injured elbow and using that arm for your daily tasks, without significantly increasing the pain. Do the dishes, pick up lighter objects with the injured side, etc.

For V = Vascularisation:

Light to moderate cardio activity without pain speeds up healing. For a sprained elbow, you can therefore:

• Walking
• Use a stationary bike with your arm well supported
• Do aquajogging
• Use an elliptical machine without using your arms

Here are some other tips to help you:

• If you have pain at night or morning stiffness, make sure your neck is well supported while sleeping with a pillow that fills the hollow of your neck.
• Avoid sleeping with your arm behind your head or under the pillow. Keep your arm along your body or supported with a pillow.
• Support your arm with a cushion under your armpit, an armrest, or by putting your hand in your pants pocket to raise your shoulder. This helps reduce elbow pain.

Sources

Appelboam A, Reuben AD, Benger JR, Beech F, Dutson J, Haig S, Higginson I, Klein JA, Le Roux S, Saranga SS, Taylor R. Elbow extension test to rule out elbow fracture: multicentre, prospective validation and observational study of diagnostic accuracy in adults and children. Bmj. 2008 Dec 9;337.

Dubois B, Esculier JF. Soft-tissue injuries simply need PEACE and LOVE.