Elbow injury - No insurance

[magnanimous_j]

I am a 27yo Male in reasonably good health.

4 days ago, I slipped on ice in my driveway and fell backward landing on my palm and overextending my elbow. I hurt extremely bad and more than that, I had the sense that something was "screwed up" in there. Although i could move my wrist and fingers just fine, if I extended my arm, I could feel a "pop" or "crunch" in my elbow and excruciating pain would shoot from my elbow to my fingertips for a minute or so.

I went to the ER (which I don't even want to know how much it's going to cost me with no insurance), they took a few xrays and said there was nothing broken but a little fluid buildup. They gave me a sling and a rx for vicodin and sent me on my way. They kind of blew me off when I told them about the "popping." They told me to schedule an appointment with an Orthopedic in 4 days.

So 4 days later, its still a little sore, especially when I rotate my wrist, but i have been keeping it in the sling. If I extend it, I can feel a growing tension in my elbow and if I extend it too far or rotate my wrist when extending it, it will still "pop" which makes me instinctively bend my elbow again and it hurts REALLY bad for 10 or 15 seconds, although the pain seems to be getting better as time passes.

My question is: What the heck is that? Will it go away on its own? I can't really afford to see an Orthopedic unless I absolutely have to. Any advice would be appreciated. Being unemployed, this is absolutely the last thing I need right now.

[magnanimous_j]

Thanks for your advice. It makes me feel better to know that it will probably heal on its own.

But you say wait to see if the symptoms decrease. That's the problem: That painful "popping" of my elbow is my only real symptom. When arm is bent, it feels almost 100%. Maybe a little weak and sore, but no pain.

It only hurts when I extend it, and not every time. But I will follow your advice and keep it still for another week or two before I call the ortho.

Thanks again.  

[Dr Vinod]

Hello!

You have to cool down and understand that you should not do anything in haste. Stop all these physical disturbing self testing movements you are practicing; this can further complicate your injury.

Rest your elbow in a sling and take pain killers and see if your symptoms decrease or not with proper rest.

If your pain and discomfort continue beyond 2 weeks without any bone involvement then it is important to follow up with an orthopedician to diagnose any possible soft tissue injuries.

Take care!