Elbow Contusion - Symptoms, Causes and Treatment of Elbow Contusion

Bruising of the skin and underlying tissues of the elbow due to a direct blow. Contusions cause bleeding from ruptured small capillaries that allow blood to infiltrate muscles, tendons or other soft tissue. Because skin is so close to bone in this area, contusion of the elbow is a common injury to athletes.

Places where Elbow Contusion occurs

Elbow tissues, including blood vessels, muscles, tendons, nerves, olecranon bursa, connective tissue and covering to bone (periosteum). Periosteum injury is particularly common in elbow contusions.

Causes, Signs and Symptoms of Elbow Contusion

Direct blow to the elbow area from a blunt object. Falling on the elbow.

• Swelling in the elbow--either superficial or deep.
• Pain and tenderness over the elbow.
• Feeling of firmness when pressure is exerted at the injury site.
• Discoloration under the skin, beginning with redness and progressing to the characteristic "black and blue" bruise.
• Restricted elbow activity proportional to the extent of injury.

Complications in Elbow Contusion

• Permanent damage to the ulnar nerve, leading to disability in the forearm and hand.
• Prolonged healing time if usual activities are resumed too soon.
• Infection if skin over the contusion is broken.

Treatment, Medication and Care for Elbow Contusion

For First aid, use instructions for R.I.C.E., the first letters of REST, ICE, COMPRESSION and ELEVATION. Wrap an elasticized bandage over a felt pad on the injured area. Keep the area compressed for about 72 hours. Immobilize the arm in a sling. Use ice soaks 3 or 4 times a day. Fill a bucket with ice water, and soak the injured area for 20 minutes at a time.

After 72 hours, apply heat instead of ice if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, heat liniments or ointments, or whirlpool treatments. Massage gently and often from the fingers upward to the shoulder to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

• For minor discomfort, you may use: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments.
• Your doctor may prescribe stronger medicine for pain.

Dietary Cure for Elbow Contusion

During recovery, eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Your doctor may prescribe vitamin and mineral supplements to promote healing.

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