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Suggest Treatment For Sprain And Swelling In Elbow After Injury
Question: Hi,
Is there an easy way to tell if there is a fracture near elbow area.
I had a fall yesterday and landed on my hand with my arm straight, which caused sprain on my elbow. Earlier there was no swelling, but after 6-7 hours, swelling developed in the elbow, and am currently not able to straighten my arm. But there is no pain unless I try to straighten it. I am able to lift some weight.
Is there an easy way to tell if there is a fracture near elbow area.
I had a fall yesterday and landed on my hand with my arm straight, which caused sprain on my elbow. Earlier there was no swelling, but after 6-7 hours, swelling developed in the elbow, and am currently not able to straighten my arm. But there is no pain unless I try to straighten it. I am able to lift some weight.
Brief Answer:
Fracture is likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a sudden fall on the outstretched hand, appearance of pain, swelling with pain on straightening, tenderness, etc are all indicative of hematoma formation either due to a soft tissue injury or due to a hairline fracture.
For diagnosis it is important to get an x-ray of elbow and an MRI scan of the area done. X-rays are very sensitive for picking up any fracture and MRI is one of the best tests for ruling out and identifying soft tissue injuries in the area of fall.
I recommend you to consult an Orthopedician for proper examination and required investigations.
Meanwhile -
1. Do a cold compress on the area of injury.
2. Avoid moving or lifting any weight with the hand.
3. Keep the arm in a broad arm sling for rest.
4. Get some mild pain killers prescribed from your doctor.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Fracture is likely.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
After a sudden fall on the outstretched hand, appearance of pain, swelling with pain on straightening, tenderness, etc are all indicative of hematoma formation either due to a soft tissue injury or due to a hairline fracture.
For diagnosis it is important to get an x-ray of elbow and an MRI scan of the area done. X-rays are very sensitive for picking up any fracture and MRI is one of the best tests for ruling out and identifying soft tissue injuries in the area of fall.
I recommend you to consult an Orthopedician for proper examination and required investigations.
Meanwhile -
1. Do a cold compress on the area of injury.
2. Avoid moving or lifting any weight with the hand.
3. Keep the arm in a broad arm sling for rest.
4. Get some mild pain killers prescribed from your doctor.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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