What causes swelling in elbow?

Posted on Wed, 20 May 2015

Question: swelling in elbow; no injury; occurred spontaneously; swelling has spread above the elbow in the past 40 hours. no known cause. i am out of state and urgent care here recommended an ultrasound at a hospital

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
it can be elbow synovitis

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case.I think you are having elbow synovitis. This is effusion of the elbow with inflammation. It can occur due to many causes like overuse, fever or trivial trauma. It responds well to rest and ice. But before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail about your illness.
1. Did you having pain or fever also?
2. Are you taking any medicines since long time or any other medical problem?
3.Are you feeling any restricted movements?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D