Suggest Treatment For Severe Pain And Bruising On The Arm

Posted on Mon, 24 Oct 2016

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

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 11 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I was recently in a fight where my are was twisted up behind my back causing severe pain and bruising. This happened back on Sept. 17th, since then the bruising has faded but the pain has not. I can hardly twist a door nob handle open without causing pain or take care of my toddler. I don't currently have health insurance and don't know what I should do if anything.

I uploaded two photos showing the bruising on my elbow a few days after the incident. I also had bruises on my forearm and hand but they were hard to capture.

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Consider and X-ray

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using HCM to post your health query.
I saw carefully your photos and I understand your concern.

I see that you have been doing all the right things to be done. It may need up to 6-8 weeks to get better. If you are not feeling better at all though, you will need to do:
-- an X-ray of your arm, to check if there is any fracture or even any subluxation.
-- Also a visit to an orthopedist would determine by an examination of you have any instability/ruptured ligament.
-- I also don't know how you are using the anti inflammatory meds, but in order for the anti inflammatory effect to work you will need to take them regularly- 2-3 times/day for 1-2 weeks.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.
Otherwise please close and rate the answer.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (35 minutes later)

One other thing I just thought of that I think could have an effect potentially, is that I injured this same arm in the elbow area when I was 16. I landed on it wrong while snowboarding but didn't go to the doctor till the next day because it didn't seem bad till the next morning when I couldn't raise it above my head or hardly move it. The initial exam and xray did not show anything and they placed my arm in a sling. They called my parents a week later to state that after further review of my xrays that there may be a hairline fracture. We didn't do anything further at that point as when my mom asked what they would do next they simply stated they would sling my arm and allow it to heal, which we were already doing.

I have not been using the anti-inflammatory regularly enough so I will get on that. Thank you for your help!

Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (22 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Even more prone to be a possible fracture.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear,

Thank you for the follow-up question.

What I understand from your explanation is that it makes that arm more prone to having another fracture or arthritis.

The same advises as above apply.

Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T