Please call 911 immediately if you are having chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you think you have a medical emergency.
Dislocated Elbow Treatment
Call 911 if the arm:
Is deformed
Cannot be moved after injury
1. Don't Move the Elbow
Moving the elbow or trying to put it back into place could cause more damage.
2. Treat Symptoms
Apply ice to reduce swelling while waiting for medical care.
Give acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain.
3. Follow Up
The health care provider will examine the arm, check for damage to arteries and nerves, and X-ray the area to check for a broken bone or dislocation.
A simple dislocation can be realigned and stabilized in an emergency room using strong pain medication and possibly sedation medication.
Sometimes surgery is needed.
WebMD Medical Reference
SOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Elbow Dislocations and Fracture Dislocations."