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Suggest Treatment For Bruise Inside Left Forearm And Stiffness In Shoulder

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Posted on Tue, 1 Sep 2015
Question: Good evening Doctor,
This past Sunday the 9th I noticed in the evening a oval shaped bruise on the inside of my left forearm. Approx. 2”x1.5”; since it was not sore or swollen, I thought maybe it was a broken vein. Then the following day it appeared to be a V shape in the middle and not other symptoms. Monday I some minor pain and soreness began and I applied some lidocane cream; same today. Earlier this evening some numbness presented itself and I noticed when I rubbed it there was what appeared to be a small lump; the pain has increased and I have started to notice some weakness and stiffness in my left hand and shoulder, as if this was spreading. Then I considered a bug bite or something else and maybe there was some type of exposure. I did not want to over react, but have been considering having a medical profession take a look either tonight or in the morning. I wasn’t too concerned at first since it was localized and I was thinking along the lines of the lidocane cream or vein but now that the pain, numbness, stiffness is present in my hand and a bit in my left shoulder I have to consider that something else maybe the cause of this is something else and I’m concerned.

doctor
Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
pain, numbness with a rash in forearm

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am Dr. Saddiq Ul Abidin. I have read your problem in detail and will try to help you in best way possible.

First of all, I must say the way you have put the details in history, is no doubt commendable. At the same time it is sad to know, what you have been suffering lately.

At first appearance one may mistakenly take it as a skin rash, may be allergic or infective but involvement of numbness along with pains is definitely raising few eye brows, as that significantly explains the infection being deeper than that or involving subcutaneous tissue or may be muscles.

The symptoms you have described are suggestive of nerve entrapment or pressure symptoms on the nerve.

For that purpose you definitely need a review of an orthopedician or a neurologist. You can see your GP before referral so that he excludes any need for a dermatologist review

Having said that, rest stay assured as hopefully it is not a very concerning disease and can settle down with analgesics like acetaminophen along with some antibiotics for inflammation.

You may be asked for few screening tests like blood picture and work up for vascultis. An ultrasound of the rash may suggest the extent of the tissue involvement.

Hope this has answered your query, if you have any more questions, feel free to ask. kindly rate me generously before closing, and leave your feedback if possible.

Regards,
Dr. Saddiq Ul abidin.
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3941 Questions

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