Elbow injuries after a crash: watch movement and finger numbness
The view from an orthopedic arm specialist and an occupational therapist
During a crash, your elbow can strike the door or console. It can also absorb force that travels up from your hand. The pain may come from a sprain, a broken bone, a dislocation or a nerve injury. An orthopedic doctor who treats the arm decides what needs protecting. When it’s safe to start, an occupational therapist helps you get back useful movement in your arm and hand. [1, 2, 3]
Tell your doctor what the arm can't do
Tell your doctor whether you can straighten the elbow and turn your palm up and down. Also say if you can lift a cup and feel each finger normally. Point to the spot that hurts most. Mention a pop you felt when you were hurt, swelling that keeps growing or a joint that looks out of place. You may need an exam and imaging to tell a sprain from a fracture. [1, 2]
Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers may involve the ulnar nerve. That nerve wraps around the elbow. Get prompt advice for new weakness or loss of feeling in the hand after an elbow injury. Don’t assume it’s just from sleeping on your arm. [3]
Find out how long to protect the elbow
Different injuries may call for a sling, splint or cast, worn for different lengths of time. Ask whether it stays on while you sleep and bathe. Find out which finger, wrist and shoulder movements are allowed. Elbows can get stiff. Even so, moving early isn’t right for every fracture or ligament injury. Follow the plan for your diagnosis. [1, 2]
Contact your care team urgently if pain or swelling climbs sharply or your fingers turn cold or change color. Do the same if your hand gets weaker. Have a splint checked if it feels too tight. Don’t force an elbow that is locked or clearly out of place. [1, 2]
Build therapy around everyday tasks
At your next visit, say whether you can eat, wash your hair, get dressed and use a phone. Those tasks show how far the elbow moves and how well the hand works. Ask if you need therapy and when your exercises should change. If progress stalls, ask to be checked again. Don’t push through sharp pain with hard stretching. [1, 2]
- Do I have a sprain, a fracture, a dislocation or a nerve problem?
- Which movements are safe for me right now?
- When will my elbow motion and hand feeling be checked again?
Note one task and any numb fingers
Sources and further reading
- 1MedlinePlus elbow sprain aftercare
- 2MedlinePlus radial head fracture aftercare
- 3MedlinePlus ulnar nerve dysfunction
Orthopedic and occupational therapy experience informs this general guide. After a collision, severe elbow pain, a misshapen elbow or new numbness in the hand needs a clinician’s exam.
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