Prevention

Most broken elbows stem from trauma-falls, sports injuries, motor vehicle crashes. The same common-sense things you would do ordinarily to prevent accidents will help prevent elbow injuries.

• In automobiles
  
  
  • Obey the rules of the road and drive defensively.
    
    
  • Always wear your seat belts while driving and as a passenger.
    
    
  • Don't drink alcohol and drive.
    
    
  • Don't drive a vehicle if you've taken medicines or drugs that may make you sleepy.
    
    
  • Children always should be in proper child restraint devices.
    
    
  • Don't drive with your arm propped on the window or hanging out of the car window.
  
  
• At home
  
  
  • Remove household items that may cause you to trip and fall. Some common tripping hazards are power cords, small rugs, and footstools.
    
    
  • Wipe up spills and deal with any slick floors that might cause a trip and fall.
    
    
  • Try to keep walks and driveways ice-free in winter.
  
  
• While exercising or playing sports
  
  
  • Don't exercise, practice, or participate if you are overly fatigued. Injuries tend to happen when you are tired.
    
    
  • Don't continue an activity if you are having elbow pain.
    
    
  • Always wear proper protective gear while playing sports.