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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Arm

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Posted on Tue, 3 Jan 2017
Question: I fell and landed on my right arm tripping over the vacume in the middle of the night. I have swelling in my right arm above my elbow and not sure if its broken and do not want to sit in the ER for hours. I have kept an ice pack on it all day. The swelling went down some but still hurts a lot.
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Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Information

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

I can understand your not wanting to sit in the ER for hours (who would want to!) but if there is still a lot of pain, you will need an Xray to sort out if there is a fracture or not. I don't think you can get around it - this needs examination in person and an Xray.

If your local ER is a long wait, perhaps an urgent care clinic might be a better choice. Most are set up to allow for X-rays and casting if needed.

In the meantime, elevate it as much as possible (ideally above the level of your heart) and continue icing, and if necessary and you tolerate it, ibuprofen (up to 600 mg) after you have food in your stomach, 3 times a day.

I hope this information helps.
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 3134 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Swelling In The Arm

Brief Answer: Information Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX I can understand your not wanting to sit in the ER for hours (who would want to!) but if there is still a lot of pain, you will need an Xray to sort out if there is a fracture or not. I don't think you can get around it - this needs examination in person and an Xray. If your local ER is a long wait, perhaps an urgent care clinic might be a better choice. Most are set up to allow for X-rays and casting if needed. In the meantime, elevate it as much as possible (ideally above the level of your heart) and continue icing, and if necessary and you tolerate it, ibuprofen (up to 600 mg) after you have food in your stomach, 3 times a day. I hope this information helps.