An elbow sprain is stretching or tearing of the ligaments that stabilize the elbow. Ligaments are strong bands of tissue that cross joints and connect bones to each other.
Elbow sprains may be caused by:
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease, condition, or injury.
Risk factors for an elbow sprain:
Symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and how you injured your elbow. The doctor will examine your elbow to assess the stability of the joint and the severity of the injury.
Tests may include:
Elbow sprains are graded according to their severity.
Treatment includes:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
http://www.aossm.org/tabs/Index.aspx
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org .
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/ .
Sports Injuries: Basic Principles of Prevention and Care . Blackwell Scientific Publications; 1993.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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