What to do when you fell very hardly on your elbow?

Immediate care

1. RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation):

- Rest the elbow and avoid any activities that may aggravate the pain.

- Apply ice wrapped in a thin cloth to the elbow for 15-20 minutes every few hours.

- Compress the elbow with an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling.

- Elevate the elbow above the level of your heart to help reduce swelling.

2. Over-the-counter pain medication:

Consider taking an over-the-counter pain medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), to help relieve pain and inflammation.

Seeking medical assistance

If you have fallen very hard on your elbow and experience any of the following symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention:

- Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest and over-the-counter pain medication.

- Swelling that doesn't go down after a few days.

- Bruising or discoloration that spreads down your arm.

- Inability to move your elbow.

- Numbness or tingling in your hand.

- A deformity or bend in your elbow that wasn't there before.

These symptoms could be signs of a more serious injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or ligament tear.

A healthcare professional can evaluate your elbow, order any necessary imaging tests, and recommend appropriate treatment.