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What Causes Inability To Life Arm After Injury?
Question: My husband is 62 years old and fell down and hit his left arm on a hard surface. He can't raise his arm and the bruise didn't appear for 3 days but it's on the opposite side from where the trauma occurred. X-rays says nothing broken we are waiting for an appointment for an MRI. Can it be a tendon tear? Or just deep tissue damage?
Brief Answer:
Rest, ice, limb elevation to be done. Wait for 5 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
If he is unable to lift the arm then it could indicate soft tissue injury, Muscle or tendon tear or nerve injury.
I would advise you to apply ice on the painful area, keep the arm elevated on a pillow, keep making a fist repeatedly and move the wrist and elbow regularly if possible.
He can continue to take Aleve pain killer for a total of 7 days since the injury. Once the pain subsides in about 5 days, he may be able to move the arm about normally. If he can't, then he should get checked up by an Orthopaedic surgeon to rule out muscle tear, tension and nerve injuries.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Rest, ice, limb elevation to be done. Wait for 5 days
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Welcome to Healthcare Magic.
Thanks for the query.
If he is unable to lift the arm then it could indicate soft tissue injury, Muscle or tendon tear or nerve injury.
I would advise you to apply ice on the painful area, keep the arm elevated on a pillow, keep making a fist repeatedly and move the wrist and elbow regularly if possible.
He can continue to take Aleve pain killer for a total of 7 days since the injury. Once the pain subsides in about 5 days, he may be able to move the arm about normally. If he can't, then he should get checked up by an Orthopaedic surgeon to rule out muscle tear, tension and nerve injuries.
I hope I have answered your query.
I will be available to answer your follow up queries.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
He complained the ice pack made it hurt more. Is that a sign of anything specific?
Brief Answer:
Apply heat. This could relieve a muscle spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the follow up query.
If I've isn't working for him, that could indicate muscle spasm which would relieve in application of hot water bag. Don't use hot water but it should be warm enough to give tempeh and not hot enough to cause skin discomfort.
I hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Apply heat. This could relieve a muscle spasm
Detailed Answer:
Hi there.
Thanks for the follow up query.
If I've isn't working for him, that could indicate muscle spasm which would relieve in application of hot water bag. Don't use hot water but it should be warm enough to give tempeh and not hot enough to cause skin discomfort.
I hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Aashish Raghu
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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