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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Bruising On The Upper Arm?

I have a bruise on my upper arm with dimpling. It has been painless but now is increasingly uncomfortable within the last two weeks. It has been there probably 3 months and will not heal. I don t feel a distinctive lump but there is a difference in the way the muscles of my arm feel to touch. I have found an internist about an hour away (I live in a rural area) so I am going to have it evaluated as soon as I can get an appointment. I m thinking MRI/biopsy. What do you think?
posted on Thu, 20 Oct 2016
Twitter Thu, 17 Nov 2016 Answered on
Twitter Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic

The dimpling may be due to the formation of scar tissue pulling the surrounding skin.

The doctor would not likely go straight to an MRI but would likely consider an X ray first.

In terms of biopsy, this would only be done if the assessment (examination and investigations) suggests that this is necessary.
If it is thought to be necessary, then you would need to be referred to a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist.

Any investigations would follow history of this and any other illness as well as physical examination of the arm.
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What Causes Bruising On The Upper Arm?

Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic The dimpling may be due to the formation of scar tissue pulling the surrounding skin. The doctor would not likely go straight to an MRI but would likely consider an X ray first. In terms of biopsy, this would only be done if the assessment (examination and investigations) suggests that this is necessary. If it is thought to be necessary, then you would need to be referred to a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist. Any investigations would follow history of this and any other illness as well as physical examination of the arm.