What Causes Shoulder Pain And Difficulty In Breathing After A Fall?

Posted on Thu, 12 Jun 2014

Question: hello,
I fell 7 days ago. I tripped on sidewalk and took 4-5 running steps trying to not fall. Had my hands full and of course I could not prevent the fall. I landed on my right side: slight scraping to rt hand, several scrapes on elbow requiring pressure to prevent bleeding, and 3 large scrape areas on my rt knee. All of these are healing. The first night I noticed my rt shoulder felt achy but was better the next day. However, I have had increasing difficulty taking a deep breath. The area behind my right breast is sore. There is no visible bruising. Advil doesn't really relieve it. Position changes don't affect it. Seems to be worse in mornings and at night. I make myself take deep breaths. I don't feel any movement of bones, just a soreness when I touch the areas below and behind my breast. Is this just muscle related? Will it just heal with time?

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (54 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get xray done.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I have read your query X-ray of chest AP view done. It helps us to arrive at a diagnosis. This pain may be from muscle tear / soft tissue injury or fracture; X-ray will help us differentiate it.
Besides, you might need a better analgesics since advil isn't helping. I suggest my patients painkillers like 1tab aceclofenac + serratiopeptidase three times a day and rest in such cases. But if there are fractures, strapping is a must.

Generally such injuries take atleast 10 - 12 days to heal. Fracture offcourse will take 3 weeks to heal.

Therefore in the current context, it is worthwhile to visit your doctor

I hope you have got your answer.

Thanks.

Dr.Singh.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (13 hours later)

If I understand you correctly, you are suggesting that I have an AP CXR to rule out fractures. If I wait at least 3 more days and see improvement, can I feel confident that it was a tear or tissue injury?Is there anything besides pain relievers that could accelerate the healing if this is the case?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Chander Mohan Singh (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for the query my friend.

Yes, I am suggesting your x-ray chest AP view to make exact diagnosis. You can wait for three more days but not more than that.

Beside painkillers you can take diet rich in protein and calcium. You can also take calcium supplements and vitamins A,D,E,K,B12 etc.

All this will enhance healing.

I hope it helps.

Thanks.

Dr.Singh.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj