Elbow Injuries: Elbow Sprain Symptoms and Treatment (continued)

Am I at risk for an elbow sprain?

The risk of sustaining an elbow sprain increases with contact sports such as football, basketball, hockey and soccer. Throwing sports such as baseball or javelin throwing also increase the risk. A previous elbow injury can also increase the risk. Obesity or poor muscle conditioning also increase the risk.

What is the proper care for a elbow sprain?

The appropriate health care for an elbow sprain is a doctor's diagnosis, application of a cast, tape or an elastic bandage or sling. Your own self-care during rehabilitation, proper physical therapy (for moderate or severe sprain), or surgery are all appropriate for a severe sprain. The condition is most commonly diagnosed through your own observation of symptoms, your medical history and exam by a doctor and x-rays of the elbow, wrist and shoulder to rule out fractures. An MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is appropriate to define a severe sprain(especially in throwing athletes).

Are there any complications with elbow sprains?

Some possible complications can be (1) prolonged healing time if usual activity is resumed too soon, (2) proneness to repeated injury, (3) Inflammation at the ligament attachment to bone, (periostitis); (4) sometimes, prolonged disability. (5) Unstable or arthritic elbow following repeated injury.

Continued