About your visit

We have examined you and found that you have a broken elbow. The fracture is treated without a cast.

We have given you an arm sling to help relieve the pain. You must wear the sling for up to 14 days, unless we have agreed otherwise. This is also noted in your medical record. You may take the sling off when you shower and sleep.

When you get home

Contact your doctor if your symptoms get worse

Call your own doctor or the emergency helpline 1813 (outside your doctor’s opening hours) if you notice that your hand:

• tingles, prickles or feels numb
• loses sensation
• changes colour
• becomes difficult to move

These symptoms may be a sign of damage to blood vessels or nerves.

The elbow may swell and become discoloured

It is normal for the elbow to swell and feel warm and sore. The skin around the elbow joint may also turn blue. This is caused by a harmless bruise under the skin, which will go away on its own.

Reduced movement in the elbow joint

You may not be able to fully bend and stretch your elbow for a few weeks. Your movement will gradually improve day by day.

Take pain-relieving medicine for as long as you are in pain

You can take pain-relieving medicine for as long as you need it. Pain-relieving medicine is available over the counter. Read the package to see how much you can take. If you need extra help with the pain, contact your own doctor.

Take off the sling and move your elbow

It is important to move your elbow to avoid stiffness. Do the exercises without the sling once you are home, unless your doctor has told you otherwise.

• Sit or stand with your arm down by your side. Gently bend your elbow as much as you can, then stretch your arm out again.
• Lean your upper body slightly forward and let your shoulder move back and forth.
• After 1 week, you can start rotating your forearm. Turn your hands so that your palms face up and down alternately.
• Repeat the exercises 10–15 times, 3–4 times a day. It is normal to feel some tightness in the elbow, as long as it does not cause too much pain.

Move your fingers and wrist

Make sure to move your fingers many times a day by bending and stretching them. Also move your wrist up and down, and rotate your forearm so your palm turns up and down alternately. This helps your blood circulation. It is normal to feel some tightness in your fingers, as long as it does not cause too much pain.

Check-up

You must see your own doctor for a check-up after 2 weeks, unless we have agreed otherwise. You need to book the appointment yourself. At the check-up, your doctor will examine your movement and make a treatment plan.

Worth knowing