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Arm Injury Due To Fall, Pain, Large Lump, Bruise On Lower Arm. Chances Of Fracture?
We have been roller skating and my son has fallen over and hit his arm on the floor. He is complaining of pain and there is a big lump and bruise on his lower arm near his elbow . We are wondering whether we need to take him to hospital to see if it s a possible fracture or whether it s likely to be just a bump from the impact but he won t let us touch it as it hurts.
Thu, 24 Jan 2013
Hello Sasha,
Thank you for posting on HCM
Generally, painful swelling after trauma especially on the limbs need to be examined for fractures or dislocations if joint areas. A neglected fracture is the worst medico-surgical condition any doctor or orthopedic surgeon (plus patient of course) can face. I suggest you get him to the hospital for x-ray ( just to be sure of the gravity of the situation. He would likely require antiinflammatory medications to regress the swelling and calm the pains. A physical examination of the affected area by a health professional can be very useful in determine if there is an obvious fracture or not.
Hope this helps and wish your son a quick recovery.
Dr Nsah
Thank you for posting on HCM
Generally, painful swelling after trauma especially on the limbs need to be examined for fractures or dislocations if joint areas. A neglected fracture is the worst medico-surgical condition any doctor or orthopedic surgeon (plus patient of course) can face. I suggest you get him to the hospital for x-ray ( just to be sure of the gravity of the situation. He would likely require antiinflammatory medications to regress the swelling and calm the pains. A physical examination of the affected area by a health professional can be very useful in determine if there is an obvious fracture or not.
Hope this helps and wish your son a quick recovery.
Dr Nsah
I find this answer helpful
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
It might be soft tissue injury or fracture. Big lump might be due to haematoma formation(collection of blood) either due to ruture of microvasculature or bleeding from fracture ends.
Without X-ray, it is difficult to differentiate a fracture from others. I suggest you to consult an orthopaedician nearby for a detailed examination. He may get the X-ray of the area affected under his/her guidance.
In the interim,apply ice packs to the affected area,anti-inflammatory drug like motrin half tablet with food to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid lifting and rest well.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Thanks for posting your query.
It might be soft tissue injury or fracture. Big lump might be due to haematoma formation(collection of blood) either due to ruture of microvasculature or bleeding from fracture ends.
Without X-ray, it is difficult to differentiate a fracture from others. I suggest you to consult an orthopaedician nearby for a detailed examination. He may get the X-ray of the area affected under his/her guidance.
In the interim,apply ice packs to the affected area,anti-inflammatory drug like motrin half tablet with food to reduce pain and inflammation. Avoid lifting and rest well.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta.
Orthopaedic Surgeon.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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