You have been treated for a small break in one of the small bones in your elbow. You have had a thorough examination and are now considered fit to be discharged. The following instructions will aid your recovery.
Symptoms
The pain, tenderness and swelling you are experiencing should gradually settle over a period of several weeks. You may find it difficult to bend and straighten your elbow initially, or rotate your forearm.
Recommended treatment
You will be provided with a sling for comfort. You should wean yourself out of the sling as the pain settles, and remove the sling completely as soon as you feel able.
You should take painkillers as it is important to keep the joint gently moving to avoid stiffness. Forceful stretching is unnecessary, however, as this can cause pain and delay recovery.
The injury
You have a small break in the radial head or neck – one of the small bones in your elbow. These fractures usually heal well with time and use and no routine follow is necessary.
Recovery time
For most people symptoms are minor, but may take 3–6 weeks to settle with a gradual return to function including work. Do not stress the joint with heavy lifting or heavy weight bearing for 6 weeks. Return to sport and to work for manual workers will take 6 weeks.
Complications
There may be slightly reduced movement in the elbow, especially on straightening it, but this is unlikely to affect your function. Occasionally the fracture may fail to heal and continue to be painful.
If you are still experiencing significant symptoms after several months, please phone the fracture clinic for further advice.
Should you have any concerns following discharge from hospital, please contact the fracture clinic on:
01256 313202
Monday to Friday 8.30am–4.00pm
For urgent problems outside of these times, please attend the Emergency Department
Share this...
Were you prepared for the visit today?
Did you feel you were prepared for your hospital visit today? Not many people do. The focus of getting there, whether it is in an emergency or for an appointment, can easily end up with you in a muddle.
Am I Prepared?Related Information
What is Wellbeing?
NOUNwellbeing (noun) the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy – Oxford Dictionary definition Wellbeing, put simply, is about ‘how we are doing’ as individuals, communities and…
Read More
Pride and Stonewall
June is Pride Month! It’s a perfect time to reflect on the long history of resistance that led up to this month-long celebration of awareness and…
Read More
Food Labelling
The UK government requires all pre-packed food to list nutritional information on the packaging.
Read More
A Little Exercise
You don’t have to become a rambler, ‘hit the gym’ or run 5k to get exercise. However it is important that you get at least 150…
Read MoreWas this information useful?
How easy to understand and how useful was the information for you. All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
How was your visit today?
How well did our staff do today in helping you with your condition. Please note All feedback is anonymous. If you would like a possible response, please include your email.
Treatment Feedback - Tools for Hospitals
Coming soon – order physical products, and new categories, review your documents and much more.
You must have a valid NHS Email to use this service.
Find Out More
News & Blog
View All
Part 2 – Delivering Information
This video explores the diverse range of patient information delivery products offered by MySelfCare, providing comprehensive guidance on how to utilise them effectively.
Read More
Part 1 – Scanning QRs
This video provides step-by-step instructions on how to use QR codes with MySelfCare, making it easy for you to utilise this powerful feature
Read More
Introduction Video
Introducing you to MySelfCare and a Quick overview of its features and how it works in the Hospital
Read More
Burnout at work
Over the past few decades, “burnout” has become an all-too-familiar way of speaking about a growing problem. Although originating with psychologist Herbert Freudenberger’s 1974 theory, it…
Read More