After a car crash, you may have significant arm or elbow pain. There are a few reasons for this. First, if you tensed or were holding onto the wheel, your arms were vectors for the force of the collision. Your joints may have absorbed some of the shock, but that also means that they may have been bruised or injured as a result.
Arm and elbow pain doesn’t necessarily relate to an actual arm or elbow injury, though. Did you know that having pain in your arm or elbow could be a sign of issues such as:
- Blood clots
- Heart problems
- Herniated discs
- Broken bones higher or lower on the body, such as in the shoulder or wrist
There are a few reasons that arm and elbow injuries are common in crashes. The first reason is because you will likely have your hands on the wheel. This results in the impact affecting the arms. Another possible reason is being jolted or thrown inside the vehicle. Your arm or elbow could impact a window, windshield or other hard surface as a result of the collision.
What should you do if your arm or elbow is injured in a crash?
If you have pain in your arm or elbow after a crash, the smart thing to do is to go to the hospital. Many people don’t realize how badly they’ve been hurt in a collision and decide not to go to the emergency room. Don’t do that. Instead, get a medical exam. The medical team will be able to narrow down why you’re having arm pain or elbow pain, and they can start you on a treatment plan. Any costs you accrue should be covered by the at-fault driver later on, but your health comes first.