How Long Will My Swollen Hand Take to Heal After Elbow Dislocation?

I dislocated my left elbow. How long will it take for my hand to stop swelling?

Hello, I fell off a horse and dislocated my left elbow and sprained my wrist.
I have already had X-rays to confirm that there are no fractures, and I have been bandaged and immobilized with a splint.
However, it has been two days, and my right palm is still swollen like a balloon.
Is this normal? What methods can help reduce the swelling and relieve the pain? Thank you.

Xu Xiaomiao, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/18

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello, reducing swelling is very important.
The methods include elevating the affected area (above the level of the heart), applying elastic bandages for compression, performing finger exercises with gripping and releasing, and using ice packs, among others.
If the swelling does not improve, medication may be necessary.
Generally, swelling and pain can show improvement in about five days.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2016/03/18

More Info

After experiencing an elbow dislocation and wrist sprain, it is common to have swelling in the hand, especially if there has been trauma to the area. The swelling you are experiencing in your hand two days post-injury is not unusual, as it can take time for the body to respond to the injury and for inflammation to subside.
When an injury occurs, the body initiates an inflammatory response, which is a natural part of the healing process. This response can lead to swelling, pain, and stiffness in the affected area. In your case, the swelling in your hand may be due to the trauma from the fall, the dislocation of the elbow, and the sprain of the wrist. Even though X-rays have confirmed that there are no fractures, soft tissue injuries can still cause significant swelling.

To help reduce swelling and alleviate pain, you can follow the R.I.C.E. method, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation:
1. Rest: Avoid using the injured hand as much as possible to allow it to heal. This means minimizing movements that could aggravate the injury.

2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the swollen area for about 15-20 minutes every hour as needed. Make sure to wrap the ice pack in a cloth to prevent frostbite on the skin. Ice helps reduce swelling and numbs the pain.

3. Compression: If you have a compression bandage, use it to wrap the swollen hand gently. This can help control swelling. However, ensure that it is not too tight, as this could impede circulation.

4. Elevation: Keep your hand elevated above the level of your heart whenever possible. This can help reduce swelling by allowing fluids to drain away from the injured area.

In addition to these methods, over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to manage pain and reduce inflammation. However, be sure to follow the dosing instructions on the package or those provided by your healthcare provider.

If the swelling does not begin to decrease after a few days, or if you experience increased pain, numbness, or changes in color in your hand, it is important to follow up with your healthcare provider. They may want to reassess your injury to ensure there are no complications, such as nerve or vascular damage, that could require further intervention.

In general, the healing time for soft tissue injuries can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and individual healing rates. For mild to moderate injuries, you may start to see improvement within a week or two. However, complete recovery can take several weeks, and it is essential to follow your doctor's advice regarding rehabilitation and any necessary follow-up appointments.

In summary, while the swelling in your hand is likely a normal response to your elbow dislocation and wrist sprain, employing the R.I.C.E. method can help manage the symptoms. Always keep an open line of communication with your healthcare provider to ensure a safe and effective recovery process.

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