Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swelling Under The Right Elbow?
Question: I just noticed what looks like a hanging pocket of flesh under my right elbow. It is very soft to the touch and
feels like it has something soft inside. Its size is about 1" x 2" and I'm embarrassed to say that it lit looks a bit
like a testicle. It does not hurt and is not red - it's just ugly and strange. I played tennis and swam three days
ago but I had a sunscreen shirt on and never noticed it, so I have no idea how long it's been there. I am very
concerned.
feels like it has something soft inside. Its size is about 1" x 2" and I'm embarrassed to say that it lit looks a bit
like a testicle. It does not hurt and is not red - it's just ugly and strange. I played tennis and swam three days
ago but I had a sunscreen shirt on and never noticed it, so I have no idea how long it's been there. I am very
concerned.
Brief Answer:
Reasons as discussed. Please see your Doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read your history and understood your concerns.
With the description you have provided, the swelling under the right elbow, very soft to touch, with the size and the character that you mentioned, without any obvious reason can be due to an urticaria of unknown etiology.
Another possibility I can think of is an insect bite as some insects can cause such a thing without being known and without any symptoms but the bite mark may be obvious.
Third possibility is of a synovial thickening/ synovitis of the elbow joint.
I would strongly advise you to see a Doctor for actual clinical examination and investigations and proper treatment.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Reasons as discussed. Please see your Doctor.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Read your history and understood your concerns.
With the description you have provided, the swelling under the right elbow, very soft to touch, with the size and the character that you mentioned, without any obvious reason can be due to an urticaria of unknown etiology.
Another possibility I can think of is an insect bite as some insects can cause such a thing without being known and without any symptoms but the bite mark may be obvious.
Third possibility is of a synovial thickening/ synovitis of the elbow joint.
I would strongly advise you to see a Doctor for actual clinical examination and investigations and proper treatment.
I hope this answer helps you, please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
What could have caused synovitis of the elbow? It's my tennis arm but also swim
and do yoga. Will it slowly dissolve if I do nothing? I am in Florida and do not
have a doctor here.
It's definitely not an insect bite and I always wear long sleeves when outdoors, including when swimming. What is an urticaria??
and do yoga. Will it slowly dissolve if I do nothing? I am in Florida and do not
have a doctor here.
It's definitely not an insect bite and I always wear long sleeves when outdoors, including when swimming. What is an urticaria??
Brief Answer:
As explained.
Detailed Answer:
Synovitis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane and there may not be any specific cause that one can implicate. As this is your tennis arm, excessive wear and tear can be the cause. swimming can also increase the strain on it. Yoga can not as I suppose.
If the strain is negated by giving it a rest, it may revert back to normal as is the standard treatment part.
Urticaria is an accumulation of excessive fluid under the skin in response to an allergy.
I hope this answers your queries.
As explained.
Detailed Answer:
Synovitis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane and there may not be any specific cause that one can implicate. As this is your tennis arm, excessive wear and tear can be the cause. swimming can also increase the strain on it. Yoga can not as I suppose.
If the strain is negated by giving it a rest, it may revert back to normal as is the standard treatment part.
Urticaria is an accumulation of excessive fluid under the skin in response to an allergy.
I hope this answers your queries.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
If I do nothing major and just keep an eye on it, will it dissolve on its own? If I
can avoid having a needle in it with the risk of infection, I would obviously
prefer that!
can avoid having a needle in it with the risk of infection, I would obviously
prefer that!
Brief Answer:
Better to get diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Such swellings, which are present for no obvious reasons explored for, should be seen by a Doctor and diagnosed.
Diagnosis is of prime importance.
This alone can decide whether it will dissolve on its own or not. You can certainly keep an eye on it but get a diagnosis as early as possible to keep anxiety away.
Needles if put in, are done under aseptic precautions, hence not to worry about infection.
I hope this answer helps you.
Better to get diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Such swellings, which are present for no obvious reasons explored for, should be seen by a Doctor and diagnosed.
Diagnosis is of prime importance.
This alone can decide whether it will dissolve on its own or not. You can certainly keep an eye on it but get a diagnosis as early as possible to keep anxiety away.
Needles if put in, are done under aseptic precautions, hence not to worry about infection.
I hope this answer helps you.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
