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How can you care for your elbow sprain?
- Follow your doctor's directions for wearing a splint, elbow pad, sling, or elastic bandage. Wrapping the elbow may help reduce or prevent swelling.
- Rest and protect your elbow. Do not do any activity that hurts your elbow.
- Apply ice or a cold pack to your elbow for 10 to 20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Try this every 1 to 2 hours for 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
- After 2 or 3 days, if your swelling is gone, apply a heating pad on low or a warm cloth to your elbow. This helps keep your arm flexible. Some doctors suggest that you go back and forth between hot and cold. Keep the splint dry.
- Prop up your elbow on pillows while you apply ice or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep the elbow at or above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.
- Take pain medicines exactly as directed.
- If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
- If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
- Return to your usual level of activity slowly.
Elbow sprain in children: When to call
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child's pain is worse.
- Your child has new or increased swelling in the elbow or hand.
- Your child cannot bend the arm.
- Your child has a fever.
- Your child's elbow looks red.
- Your child has tingling, weakness, or numbness in the elbow, hand, or fingers.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- The pain is not better after 2 weeks.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.