HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Swelling In The Arms After An Elbow Injury?

My husband fell and landed on his elbow. He s 6 2 and 260 lb. His elbow was the size of a baseball when he got home, but now, a couple days later, he is very bruised on his inner arm, and now very swollen on his lower arm. Is this normal? He can extend his arm fully, and says the only thing that hurts is his actual elbow where there was impact.
Thu, 8 Jun 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

The injury could have been more severe than expected.

Does he have any other medical issues or take any medications?

I recommend:
• An orthopedic consult
• Blood tests (complete blood count, liver function tests, and clotting parameters)
• X-rays of the affected arm, elbow, and forearm
• Apply warm compresses over the bruises to enable circulation. After an hour apply ice pack to reduce swelling. Do this thrice a day
• Keep his arm at or above shoulder level to reduce swelling. Avoid too much activity with this arm.
• While sleeping, elevate it over a pillow.
• Movements should be slow, purposeful. Do not keep arm completely immobile.
• Please see a doctor to check minor fractures or any bleeding issues.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Prashant Gohil
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Swelling In The Arms After An Elbow Injury?

Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. The injury could have been more severe than expected. Does he have any other medical issues or take any medications? I recommend: • An orthopedic consult • Blood tests (complete blood count, liver function tests, and clotting parameters) • X-rays of the affected arm, elbow, and forearm • Apply warm compresses over the bruises to enable circulation. After an hour apply ice pack to reduce swelling. Do this thrice a day • Keep his arm at or above shoulder level to reduce swelling. Avoid too much activity with this arm. • While sleeping, elevate it over a pillow. • Movements should be slow, purposeful. Do not keep arm completely immobile. • Please see a doctor to check minor fractures or any bleeding issues. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Prashant Gohil