Bump Below The Elbow, Near A Vein, Injured, Sore

Posted on Thu, 19 May 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 19 May 2011 Answered on

Mon, 21 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I have a large bump on my left arm, a few inches below the elbow. It is about the size of a quarter dollar. It is soft and blue. It appears whether I extend my arm or not. It not itchy but, it is painful if you press against it. It does seem to be on or at a vein. I was injured in this area (banged it) a year or two back and banged it again about 3 months ago. Since rebanging it about 3 months ago its even more sore than previously. In addition, after lying down for a while (for example overnight) when I go to stand up the area from the injury to the elbow feels like something is draining downward. I am not sure what this is or if I should be concerned.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (59 minutes later)

Hello.

Thanks for your query.

The blue swelling below the elbow after an injury is most likely a collection of blood in that localized area as a result of the injury. The collection of blood initially is red but later on becomes bluish in color due to degradation of blood inside it. Since your swelling has not got infected till now, it is most likely a harmless swelling.

Gradually it will resolve. For occasional pain or the draining sensation you can do cold sponging of that area.

While getting resolved the color will change to brown and then will be back to normal. Another option is that you can get the collected blood drained surgically if it does not resolve or if there are any pressure symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query. I will be available if you have any further queries.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar