How can I tell if my child's elbow is broken or sprained?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

A broken elbow typically causes severe pain, significant swelling, bruising, and sometimes a visible deformity or inability to straighten the arm. A sprain, by contrast, also causes swelling and pain but does not produce bone deformity and usually allows more movement. The only reliable way to tell the difference is an X-ray ordered by a doctor, since symptoms alone can overlap.

Because delayed treatment of a fracture can lead to long-term joint problems, it's important to identify what you're dealing with quickly. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand your symptoms, assess urgency, and guide your next steps—so you know whether to head to urgent care, see a specialist, or monitor at home.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

Quick answers

Frequently Asked Questions

4 answers

The most common questions people search after this page

Concerned about your symptoms?

Start a symptom check

Explanation

It can be challenging to tell if a child's elbow injury is a break (fracture) or a sprain. A broken elbow usually causes significant swelling and may show a visible deformity, along with limited movement. A sprain, which happens when ligaments are stretched or torn, also causes pain and swelling—but the bone remains properly aligned.

Given the overlap in findings, only a medical examination and X-ray can provide a definitive diagnosis. If you're unsure about your child's symptoms, try this free symptom checker to help determine the next steps. The correct diagnosis is crucial for determining proper treatment.

(References)

Crowther M. Elbow pain in pediatrics. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2009 Jun;2(2):83-7. doi: 10.1007/s12178-009-9049-4. Epub 2009 Mar 14. PMID: 19468873; PMCID: PMC2697336.
Appelboam A, Reuben AD, Benger JR, Beech F, Dutson J, Haig S, Higginson I, Klein JA, Le Roux S, Saranga SS, Taylor R, Vickery J, Powell RJ, Lloyd G. Elbow extension test to rule out elbow fracture: multicentre, prospective validation and observational study of diagnostic accuracy in adults and children. BMJ. 2008 Dec 9;337:a2428. doi: 10.1136/bmj.a2428. PMID: 19066257; PMCID: PMC2600962.
Hope N, Varacallo MA. Supracondylar Humerus Fractures. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560933/

Tell your friends about us.

We would love to help them too.

For First Time Users

What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?

We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.

Was this page helpful?

Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.