Soft tissue elbow injury

NHS Virtual Fracture Clinic - Soft tissue elbow injury

Healing:

It normally takes 6 weeks for this fracture to heal. 

Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP or go to www.smokefree.nhs.uk.

Pain and swelling:

Your elbow may be swollen and you will have some pain. Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is below. 

Wearing your sling: 

Your sling should be worn for comfort in the first 2 weeks. You can take it off to wash, dress and exercise. It does not need to be worn at night. 

Exercise and activity:

Elbows get stiff very quickly. It is important to start exercising as soon as possible. You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises below.

You should avoid lifting anything more than the weight of a cup of tea for the first 6 weeks. You can do light activities when your pain has settled.

Follow up:

A follow-up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you do not have full movement by 3 weeks after your injury. You may need a physiotherapy referral. 

Any questions:

If you are concerned about your symptoms, are unable to follow this rehabilitation plan or notice pain other than at your elbow, please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic. 

Caring for your injury: Week 1-6

Wear your sling for the first 2 weeks. Take the sling off for washing, dressing and to do your exercises.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your elbow for 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice isn't in direct contact with your skin. 

Try to rest your elbow, especially in the first 24-72 hours. 

Exercises

Regular exercise will prevent stiffness and help to recover movement. Try to do these exercises every hour. If this is too painful, start with 3-4 times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times. 

1. Open and close your hand. Next, move your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times. 2. After a few days, hold a soft ball or rolled up socks. Squeeze the ball and hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 5 times.
3. Bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat 10 times.  4. Bend your elbow to a right angle. Slowly turn your palm up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Frequently asked questions