Jeffrey Salazar
Breaking your elbow can be a painful and distressing experience. The elbow is a complex joint that allows you to bend your arm or turn your hand over, and is formed by the upper arm bone (humerus) and the two forearm bones (radius and ulna). The ulna forms the bony point of the elbow, known as the olecranon, which is directly under the skin without much protection from muscles or other soft tissues. The severity of a break can range from a minor hairline fracture to a complete break, and the treatment plan will depend on the medical diagnosis. While some breaks may require surgery, others can be treated with a simple splint. To aid recovery, it is recommended that you eat a healthy diet and keep active, and your doctor may advise you to eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D to promote bone healing.
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What You'll Learn
Calcium and vitamin D
Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from the food you eat. If you are severely lacking in vitamin D, you may develop a calcium deficiency, even if you eat a lot of calcium-rich foods. This is because, without enough vitamin D, your body will pull calcium from your bones, which can lead to weak bones and an increased risk of fractures. This condition is called secondary hyperparathyroidism and can cause rickets or osteoporosis, as well as problems with muscles and balance.
Vitamin D can be obtained through exposure to sunlight, but it is generally unsafe to be in the sun long enough to get the recommended amount. It is also found naturally in some foods, including salmon, milk, orange juice, yoghurt, baby formula, fortified cereals, dairy products, cheese, spinach, and mushrooms. Many foods are also fortified with vitamin D during processing, such as milk, orange juice, yoghurt, margarine, butter, cheese, and breakfast cereals. If you are unable to get enough vitamin D through sunlight and diet, your doctor may recommend supplements.
Calcium is best absorbed when taken in amounts of 500-600 mg or less. It is recommended to spread calcium-rich foods and supplements throughout the day, preferably with meals. Taking calcium supplements with food is generally recommended, as the production of stomach acid during digestion helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium citrate is an exception and can be absorbed well with or without food. When starting a new supplement, it is best to start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it over time.
In summary, calcium and vitamin D are crucial for maintaining healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, and a deficiency in either can lead to bone weakening and an increased risk of fractures. A balanced diet, sunlight exposure, and supplements can help ensure adequate intake of these essential nutrients.
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Avoiding certain medications
After breaking your elbow, it is important to be aware of the medications you should avoid to ensure a safe recovery. Here are some guidelines and considerations regarding medication avoidance:
- Prescription Pain Medications: While pain management is crucial after an elbow fracture, it is important to be cautious with prescription opioids. Opioids are narcotics that can be highly addictive, and their misuse has become a critical public health issue. If your doctor prescribes opioids for severe pain, use them only as directed and stop as soon as your pain starts to improve. The goal is to rely on them for a short period until your pain becomes manageable with over-the-counter pain medications.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Medications: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen are commonly recommended for reducing swelling and discomfort after an elbow fracture. However, it is crucial to follow the instructions on the label or your healthcare provider's advice. Do not exceed the recommended dosage, as this may lead to adverse side effects.
- Antibiotics: In the event of an infection related to your elbow fracture, your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics. It is imperative to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if your symptoms improve. Incomplete antibiotic regimens can lead to antibiotic resistance and the persistence of the infection.
- Corticosteroids: If you develop elbow bursitis, which is a common condition caused by repetitive motions or overuse of the elbow, your provider may opt for a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation if other treatments are ineffective. While corticosteroids can provide relief, their use should be carefully considered and monitored by your healthcare provider.
- Smoking Cessation: Smoking can significantly impede fracture healing. If you smoke, consider quitting or reducing your smoking habit during your recovery. Smoking affects all your tissues and slows down bone healing. In some cases, it can even halt the healing process altogether. Seek support to stop smoking if needed.
- Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can slow down the healing process after an elbow fracture. Ensure your doctor is aware of any health conditions you have, as they may recommend specific precautions or adjustments to your treatment plan.
Remember, it is always advisable to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have concerns about medications you are currently taking or plan to take during your recovery from a broken elbow. They can provide personalized advice and guidance based on your medical history and the specific circumstances of your injury.
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Physical therapy
One of the main goals of physical therapy after an elbow fracture is to restore the normal range of motion (ROM). To regain normal use of your arm, you need full ROM of the elbow and forearm. As a rule, the early introduction of ROM therapy achieves better and faster results. If your ROM loss is severe, your physical therapist may recommend wearing a dynamic splint, which is a spring-loaded splint worn throughout the day to improve the bending and straightening of your elbow.
Your physical therapist will choose specific activities and treatments to help restore movement in your elbow and arm. They may begin with "passive" motions that your therapist performs for you to gently move your elbow joint and progress to active exercises and stretches that you do yourself. They can also prescribe exercises for your hand, such as grip strengthening exercises using a firm squeeze ball or an isometric dumbbell hold, in which you hold a dumbbell and tense the muscles of the forearm without movement.
Your physical therapist can also teach you the proper way to wear a sling and ensure it fits correctly. They can help you manage pain and swelling with ice application or electrical stimulation (e-stim). Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Aleve (naproxen) or Advil (ibuprofen) can also help.
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Avoiding certain activities
After breaking your elbow, it is important to avoid certain activities to ensure proper healing and recovery. Here are some activities and considerations to keep in mind:
Rest and Immobilization: In the initial stages of recovery, it is crucial to keep your arm immobile and restrict its movement. This means wearing a splint or a cast for several weeks, which can cause stiffness. However, it is important to gradually resume exercises to improve motion and flexibility in the elbow and forearm. Your doctor will provide specific instructions on how to move your arm safely.
Heavy Lifting and Physical Activities: For at least six weeks after breaking your elbow, you should refrain from lifting heavy objects with your injured arm. Pushing and pulling activities, such as opening doors or pushing up from a chair, are also restricted during this time. Even after the initial recovery period, heavy tasks may still cause discomfort, and full healing can take a year or longer.
High-Impact Sports: High-impact sports and activities that involve a significant amount of elbow movement or potential for falls should be avoided until your doctor advises otherwise. This includes sports like baseball, contact sports, or activities with a high risk of falling, such as skating or skiing. Always wear proper protective gear if you do resume these activities to prevent further injury.
Certain Medications: Some over-the-counter pain medications can interfere with bone healing. Consult your doctor about the medications you are taking, as they may advise you to stop taking certain medicines before your surgery or during the healing process.
Smoking and Unhealthy Habits: Smoking can significantly slow down fracture healing and, in some cases, even stop healing altogether. It is crucial to stop smoking during your recovery period. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and keeping yourself active within the limits of your injury will promote better healing.
Remember, the recovery timeline for a broken elbow can vary depending on the severity of the injury and other factors such as your age and medical condition. Always follow your doctor's instructions and recommendations for the best course of treatment and recovery.
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Surgery
The treatment for a broken elbow depends on the severity of the fracture. Non-surgical treatments, such as casts, splints, or a sling, are typically used when the bone is still in the correct position (non-displaced fracture). On the other hand, surgery is often required for displaced fractures, where the bone has moved out of place.
One type of surgery used to treat a broken elbow is open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). This procedure is used to stabilise and heal a broken bone. During ORIF, orthopedic surgeons reposition bone pieces and secure them with special screws, plates, wires, or nails to prevent abnormal healing. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and patients may experience pain and immobility in the arm for several weeks following the procedure.
Another surgical option for severe cases is elbow replacement surgery (elbow arthroplasty). This involves replacing all or some of the elbow joint with a prosthesis. Elbow replacement surgery is less common than other joint replacements and is often a last resort for long-lasting relief from severe pain and stiffness. It typically takes up to a year to recover from this type of surgery, and patients may have to avoid heavy lifting and intense physical activities that stress the elbow.
After any elbow surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully. This includes dietary recommendations, such as eating a diet high in calcium and vitamin D to promote bone healing. Physical therapy is also crucial for restoring strength and flexibility to the elbow joint and the entire arm.
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Frequently asked questions
Eating a healthy diet is always recommended, but after breaking your elbow, your doctor may advise you to eat a diet high in calcium and vitamin D to aid bone healing.
The recovery time for a broken elbow can vary from 6 to 12 weeks, but it may take up to a year to fully recover, depending on the treatment plan and severity of the break.
Symptoms of a broken elbow include swelling, bruising, deformity, and limited range of motion. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment options for a broken elbow include nonsurgical methods such as pain relievers, immobilization, and physical therapy. In more severe cases, surgery may be required, such as open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).
To prevent stiffness, it is important to start physical therapy early on, even while wearing a brace or sling. Exercises should be practiced for 3 to 5 minutes every hour, focusing on restoring the range of motion of the elbow joint.
