Pulled A Muscle By The Arm Pit Going Into Bicep, Swollen But Not Red. Treatment ?

Posted on Sat, 14 Jul 2012

Question: Not sure if I pulled a muscle by thet arm pit going into my bicep, bicep is swolleen but not red. I don't have a fever. I do repetive motion at work and also pick up my kids a lot, was worried it was a swollen lymp node. Just had blood work done Monday and everything was ok.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
A swollen armpit and biceps could be related to a local trauma or a pulled muscle. Joint effusion in the area also needs to be ruled out. The best investigation for such kind of soft tissue swellings is MRI.
This will help in pin pointing the diagnosis. The treatment will depend on the cause. Till then avoid lifting any weights with the arm and do a cold compress in the area.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (25 hours later)

How long does the swelling usually last?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)

Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
The swelling due to torn muscle fibers may last for even 2-3 weeks if adequate rest is not provided for proper healing. A lymph node swelling is firm and moves under the skin.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

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