Should I Consult A Doctor For Shooting Pain In My Arm And Lumps Below My Wrist After A Fall?

Posted on Mon, 6 Jan 2014

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

Mon, 6 Jan 2014 Answered on

Mon, 27 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. About a week ago I fell over landing on both my hands. Now I have a lump just below my wrist which throbs now and again ,and also shoots pain along my arm but not constant. It is also a little sore to touch. Should I go to docs?

Answered by Dr. K. Naga Ravi Prasad (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It could be possibly a HEMATOMA (Blood clot) Detailed Answer: Hi, thanks for writing to XXXXXXX Based on your description, most possibly it could be Hematoma. Generally, small hematoma's will resolve spontaneously within 2-3 weeks and will not lead to other problems. An xray of the involved and painful area is needed to rule out any underlying bony injury. The general treatment guidelines for Hematoma resolution are as follows - - Rest the injured joint . Avoid any activity that produces pain - Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the painful swollen area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the day. Apply ice wrapped in a damp towel to the injured area for 15 to 20 minutes every two to three hours during the day - Use an elastic compression bandage around the swollen area to limit any swelling and movement. It should be wrapped snugly around the affected area but not so tightly that it restricts blood flow. - Keep the injured area raised and supported on a pillow to help reduce swelling. - Oral anti-inflammatory medications (such as Aleve or Motrin) can help relieve symptoms of pain and also calms the inflammation. If the symptoms are not resolving with the above measures, consult an orthopedic surgeon for further examination and management. Hope I have addressed your query. Happy to help further Regards

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