Red flags & when to go in person for Elbow Pain

Audience: adult

Elbow pain is a common complaint that can result from injury, overuse, or underlying health conditions. While many causes of elbow pain can be assessed and managed through telemedicine, certain symptoms require prompt in-person evaluation. Telemedicine can help identify the nature of your pain, guide initial care, and decide if further tests or treatments are needed. However, if you experience severe pain, swelling, deformity, or loss of movement, it is important to seek immediate in-person care. Understanding when to use telemedicine and when to visit a healthcare facility can help ensure timely and appropriate treatment for your elbow pain.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Sudden severe elbow pain following trauma — go to emergency care immediately.
• Visible deformity or abnormal shape of the elbow — seek urgent in-person evaluation.
• Numbness, tingling, or loss of movement in the arm or hand — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of mild to moderate elbow pain.
• Guidance on home care and pain management.
• Monitoring symptoms and response to treatment.
• Providing education on exercises and injury prevention.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe pain or trauma requiring physical examination.
• Suspected fractures or dislocations.
• Signs of infection with swelling and redness needing urgent care.
• Neurological symptoms like numbness or weakness needing detailed assessment.

Common Causes of Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often arises from conditions such as tendonitis (inflammation of tendons), bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), sprains, strains, or arthritis. Overuse injuries, like "tennis elbow" or "golfer's elbow," are frequent in people who perform repetitive arm movements. Sometimes, pain may result from a direct injury or trauma to the elbow area.

When Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine allows healthcare providers to discuss your symptoms, review your medical history, and observe your elbow through video. Providers can guide you through simple movement tests to assess pain and function. This remote evaluation can help identify mild to moderate conditions, suggest home care measures, and determine if medications or physical therapy might be helpful.

Red Flags Indicating Need for In-Person Care

Certain signs suggest a more serious problem requiring immediate medical attention:

If you notice any of these, seek emergency or urgent in-person care promptly.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

To get the most from your telemedicine appointment:

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations carefully. This may include:

When to Seek In-Person Care Beyond Red Flags

If your symptoms do not improve with initial care or if your provider recommends further testing, such as X-rays or physical examination, an in-person visit may be necessary. Persistent pain, stiffness, or functional limitations often require hands-on evaluation and treatment.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Choose a quiet, well-lit area for your telemedicine visit.
• Wear clothing that allows easy access to your elbow.
• Have a family member or friend available to assist if needed.
• Prepare a list of your symptoms, including onset and triggers.
• Have your current medications and medical history ready.
• Be prepared to perform simple arm movements as directed by the provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan provided by your healthcare provider.
• Use ice or heat packs as recommended to reduce pain and swelling.
• Take any prescribed or suggested medications carefully.
• Perform recommended exercises or stretches regularly.
• Monitor your symptoms and report any worsening or new red flags.
• Schedule follow-up appointments if advised.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose the cause of my elbow pain?

Telemedicine can help healthcare providers understand your symptoms and guide initial care, but it may not always provide a definitive diagnosis without physical examination or imaging tests.

When should I stop using home remedies and see a doctor in person?

If your pain worsens, you develop swelling, redness, numbness, or loss of movement, or if symptoms do not improve within a few days, you should seek in-person medical evaluation.

Is it safe to perform exercises for elbow pain without seeing a doctor?

Some gentle exercises may help, but it is best to follow guidance from a healthcare provider to avoid worsening your condition.

Can telemedicine help if I have an injury from a fall or accident?

Telemedicine can provide initial advice, but injuries from falls or accidents often require in-person assessment to rule out fractures or serious damage.

What should I do if I notice numbness or tingling in my hand along with elbow pain?

Numbness or tingling may indicate nerve involvement and requires prompt in-person medical evaluation.

Sources

1. Elbow Pain — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Elbow Injuries and Disorders — Mayo Clinic.
3. Musculoskeletal Injuries and Disorders — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Telemedicine: What You Need To Know — World Health Organization (WHO).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience any red flags or worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional.