Do I need an X-ray for ongoing elbow pain after a fall?

[Belladog1]

I was on holiday last week, and I fell badly on my right arm. The pain was so bad I passed out briefly.

My arm was black around the elbow area, and although the bruising in the last week has gone down, I am still in some pain.

I can lift items if my arm is straight, but if anything touches my arm it really hurts and I can't do any twisting / sawing motions. So brushing my teeth, washing the pots, hoovering and trying to wash my hair in the shower is very difficult. Putting something to my mouth takes a little effort. It's my dominant arm too.

I can't decide if an x-ray is needed. There is a particular point of my elbow which is swollen and my fingers feel a little tingly. But everything is moving, just painful.

Any suggestions? The thought of spending 6hrs in A&E doesn't fill me with glee. Does it sound like a small fracture, or do you think it's just bruising and I'm being a wuss?

I would get an x-ray personally, but I'm not a healthcare professional.

Do you have a walk in centre / minor injuries unit nearby?

I would see your GP or minor injuries. It is literally their job to decide if you need an xray (or other imaging, as if they think it’s soft tissue damage an xray is unlikely to help). It’s not an emergency so not a&e.

I would see the GP who can refer you on if needed. My DS's elbow injury turned out to be a fracture that needed attention.

Thank you everyone. I will see if I can get an appointment for the GP and if they think I need an x-ray I will sort it.

Do be aware that it may take weeks for you to get the x-ray after the GP requests it. This happened to me last summer. I tripped and hit my elbow and as it continued to hurt into the next week, went to the GP who referred for x-ray. I didn't get the appointment for another week and it was for over 2 weeks in the future. If you have a minor injuries clinic you can go to, I'd do that instead.

I would get an X ray. Its probably just badly bruised but better safe than sorry