How do you know if broke your elbow?

Here are some possible signs and symptoms of a broken elbow:

1. Pain: You experience significant pain in the elbow joint, especially when you try to move it.

2. Swelling and Bruising: The elbow area may swell up and become bruised due to the injury.

3. Deformity: You might notice a visible deformity or abnormal alignment in the elbow joint.

4. Inability to Move: You may have difficulty moving the elbow or extending or bending your arm fully.

5. Tenderness: The elbow joint might feel tender when touched or pressed gently.

6. Instability: The elbow may feel loose, unstable, or like it's going to "pop out" of its joint.

7. Numbness or Tingling: If there is nerve damage associated with the fracture, you might experience numbness or tingling sensations in your arm, hand, or fingers.

8. Bleeding or Open Wound: In severe cases, the fracture may puncture the skin, causing bleeding or an open wound.

9. Discoloration: The skin around the elbow may appear pale, discolored, or darker in color.

If you experience any of these symptoms after an injury to your elbow, it's important to seek medical attention promptly. A doctor can properly assess your condition, order appropriate diagnostic tests (such as X-rays), and provide the necessary treatment.