No Progress on Elbow Recovery After Half a Year
(14 F) Approximately six months ago, I experienced a fall where I landed heavily on my right arm, which was fully extended backward at around a 10-degree angle. Currently, my elbow has a reduced range of motion, bending about 35 degrees less than normal. Although I can stretch it to achieve a slight increase in bend, it reverts to its limited state within a couple of hours. There has been no noticeable improvement over the past six months. An X-ray has confirmed that there are no fractures. I experience pain rated between a 6 and a 7 when attempting to bend it, whereas the initial pain was at an 8. I remain uncertain about the nature of the injury and feel increasingly worried due to the lack of progress, despite ample rest.
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 4:10:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're understandably concerned about your elbow recovery, especially given the prolonged period without improvement. The limited range of motion and pain you describe indicate that there may still be underlying issues, like soft tissue damage or joint stiffness, which can take time to heal.
Explanation
Your situation suggests that you could be dealing with a condition like a ligament sprain or other soft tissue injury, which may not show clear signs on an X-ray. Often, these types of injuries can lead to stiffness due to a lack of movement or swelling that doesn't fully resolve. Pain while moving your elbow indicates that your body is still responding to the injury, which is common in recovery scenarios.
Next Steps
Here are some prioritized actions you can take to help manage your condition and potentially regain movement:
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Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Try to gently move your elbow through its available range without pushing to the point of pain. Aim to incorporate these exercises several times a day but avoid overdoing it, as too much stress on the joint can lead to increased pain and swelling.
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Heat Therapy: Applying a warm compress to your elbow for 15-20 minutes several times a day may help relax the muscles and improve blood flow, which can aid healing and reduce stiffness.
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Ice Therapy: When you feel pain, try using ice packs for 15-20 minutes. This can help reduce any swelling you may not even be aware of and alleviate pain.
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Supportive Bracing: Consider using a soft brace or wrap around your elbow to provide some support during activities. This can help remind you not to push it too hard and protect it from further injury.
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Keep a Pain Diary: Documenting your daily pain levels and any changes in your range of motion can provide valuable insights into your progress and help guide future decisions regarding treatment.
If you notice any new symptoms, such as increased swelling or significant changes in pain, or if your range of motion does not improve within the next several weeks, it would be wise to seek a professional evaluation. You may also consider consulting a physical therapist, as they can provide tailored exercises and treatments to enhance recovery.
It's completely normal to feel anxious about your recovery, but with patience and the right approach, improvement is possible.
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