What are the differences between a broken elbow and a sprain?

A broken elbow occurs when one of the joint's bones—the humerus, radius, or ulna—is cracked or shattered. This typically happens after a fall or strong impact, causing severe pain, swelling, and sometimes a visible deformity. Doctors use X-rays to check if the bones are broken or displaced. Treatment ranges from wearing a cast to surgery, depending on the break's severity. In contrast, an elbow sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect and stabilize the joint. These strong, flexible bands can be damaged when the elbow is twisted forcefully or moved beyond its normal range of motion. Like fractures, sprains cause pain and swelling, but X-rays will show that the bones are intact. If you're experiencing elbow pain and aren't sure whether it's a break or sprain, try our free AI symptom checker to help identify what might be causing your symptoms. Treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation to give the ligaments time to heal.