This leaflet answers common questions about soft tissue elbow injuries. If you would like further information, or have any worries, please do not hesitate to ask your nearest clinician.

What is a soft tissue elbow injury?

This is a sprain to the elbow.

Healing

This normally takes six weeks for the fracture to heal.

Smoking will slow down your healing. We would advise that you stop smoking while your fracture heals. Talk to your GP for more information.

Pain and swelling

Your elbow may be swollen, and you will have some pain. Taking pain medication and using ice or cold packs will help. More information is on the next page.

Wearing your sling

The sling, if provided, is for comfort only. Try to stop using it as soon as possible.

Exercise and activity

Elbows get stiff very quickly. It is important to start exercising as soon as possible. You will find pictures and instructions for your exercises on the next page.

You should avoid lifting anything more than the weight of a cup of tea for the first six weeks. You can do light activities when your pain has settled.  

Follow-up

A follow-up appointment is not normally needed for this injury. Please contact the Virtual Fracture Clinic if you are still experiencing pain and swelling after six weeks.

Caring for your injury: Weeks 1 to 6

Try to stop using your sling as soon as possible. Take it off regularly for your exercises.

Using a cold pack will help with your pain and swelling. You can use an ice pack or bag of frozen peas wrapped in a damp towel. Put this on your shoulder for 15 minutes every few hours. Make sure the ice isn’t in direct contact with your skin.

Exercises

Regular exercise will prevent stiffness and help to recover movement. Try to do these exercises every hour. If this is too painful, start with three to four times a day. Repeat each exercise 10 times.

Hand, wrist, and elbow exercises

Open and close your hand. Next, move your wrist up and down. Repeat 10 times.

After a few days, hold a soft ball or rolled up socks. Squeeze the ball and hold for five seconds. Repeat five times.

Bend and straighten your elbow. Repeat 10 times.

Bend your elbow to a right angle. Slowly turn your palm up to the ceiling and down to the ground. Repeat 10 times.

Concern about your symptoms

If you are concerned about your symptoms and/or am struggling to return to exercise, please contact the virtual fracture clinic.

Driving

You can return to driving when:

  • You are no longer using a sling
  • You can move comfortably and
  • You can control the vehicle safely.

Always test your ability to drive in a safe environment first.

Fitness for work statement

You can get a fitness for work statement from your GP or the doctor at your fracture clinic appointment.