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What Causes Increased Swelling On Arms With Soft Tissue Injury?

Posted on Wed, 30 Apr 2014

Question: Hello andthank you. I was hit by a car and flew in the air and landed hard on my right arm, which is already affected by lymphedema. The swelling is now out of control and less responsive to treatment. Is this caused by the impact of the fall> The high impact to my arm occurred 1/20/2012 and has been very difficult to manage since. I want a second opinion as to whether or not the impact to my arm is the cause of the increased swelling. The PT who treats me thinks that it is the reason. Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Can be related to the injury. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The injury that happened on the arm almost two years ago can cause an increase in the swelling if it involved a widespread soft tissue injury in the area with lymphatic outflow blockade. The injury could be an aggravating factor but all other causes like infection and cellulitis also need to be ruled out after a detailed examination. 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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Thank you, Dr.tayal. The arm lymphadema was under control, with the use of manual lymph drainage technique and compression sleeve. Since slammingdownon the arm, along with fractured ribs, I might add, the arm swelling has increased triple fold, and along with the swelling, increased bouts of cellulitis. Since there was trauma to my arm upon impact, and immediate swelling thereafter with less control, is it a reasonable assumption that the increaseisduetothetrauma.? Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)

Brief Answer: Yes it is reasonable to assume Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing again. Since the swelling has increased triple fold immediately after the trauma and the impact was severe enough to cause fractured ribs the swelling could be due to the widespread soft tissue injury caused by the fall. Hope my answer is helpful. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health. Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E