What should I do if my elbow popped and now it hurts?

If your elbow pops and begins hurting, stop what you're doing immediately. Rest your arm to avoid putting stress on the injured elbow. To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes every few hours. You can also use a brace or wrap to limit inflammation. During the first 24 hours, avoid applying heat or massaging the area, as this could increase swelling. When sitting or lying down, prop your arm on a pillow to help minimize swelling. Minor injuries like sprains typically show improvement within a few days, though full healing may take several weeks. If your elbow becomes severely swollen, changes color, or becomes very painful or difficult to move, seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury, such as a dislocation or fracture. To help assess your symptoms and determine whether immediate care is needed, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker for personalized guidance on next steps.