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Suggest Treatment For Bruise On The Arm Post Injury
Question: My boyfriend sustained an injury at work on Friday, 9/30, where he slipped and grabbed a rail and now his bicep area has a huge bruise and there seems to be fluid collecting in his lower arm. He doesn't want to go to the hospital, the Dr. his work wants him to go to was in surgery and couldn't see him today, he is supposed to go tomorrow, but I'm worried I should take him to the hospital now. Should he wait until tomorrow?
Brief Answer:
To see a Doctor ASAP.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and the picture.
Noted the history about your boyfriend about injury on 9/30 - almost 6-7 days - bruise in biceps area and swollen forearm -
The history and picture is indicative of a tear and hernia of the biceps muscles which occurs on sudden protective contraction giving the bruise and edema in the distal area due to gravitation.
I would advise the following in such a situation:
To see a Doctor and check whether there is tear and herniation. This is done by palpating for a gap when the muscle is in relaxing position and excessive localized bulge by making biceps to contract.
This can further be confirmed by high resolution ultrasonography.
Complete rest to the part by putting the upper limb at 90 degree at elbow in a sling.
Anti-inflammatory medication.
If the tear is large enough it may need repair and rest for 6 weeks.
If there is no tear and herniation, conservative management is sufficient .
Hence should be seen by a Doctor ASAP.
To see a Doctor ASAP.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and the picture.
Noted the history about your boyfriend about injury on 9/30 - almost 6-7 days - bruise in biceps area and swollen forearm -
The history and picture is indicative of a tear and hernia of the biceps muscles which occurs on sudden protective contraction giving the bruise and edema in the distal area due to gravitation.
I would advise the following in such a situation:
To see a Doctor and check whether there is tear and herniation. This is done by palpating for a gap when the muscle is in relaxing position and excessive localized bulge by making biceps to contract.
This can further be confirmed by high resolution ultrasonography.
Complete rest to the part by putting the upper limb at 90 degree at elbow in a sling.
Anti-inflammatory medication.
If the tear is large enough it may need repair and rest for 6 weeks.
If there is no tear and herniation, conservative management is sufficient .
Hence should be seen by a Doctor ASAP.
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
Answered by
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