
What Causes Swelling In Left Arm And Pinched Nerve In Elbow?

Question: hello,
For a year or so now, when I squat or hold a push-up at the peak, my left arm starts to flush and feel like a swollen balloon. My forearm veins being to look like they're becoming squiggly and swollen, the veins of my left had also begin to appear larger. I can't tell if they are because a vein is pinched or if it's just from increased blood flow during the exercise. There's also some elbow pain during this, as if my elbow is full of liquid.
The flushing and apparent swelling vanish once I straighten my arm out. The strangest thing is that this only happens when the elbow is at an obtuse angle; if I do pull-ups or standing military presses or even hold Dumbbells at 90 degrees this doesn't happen. After I'm done working out, my elbow is really sore for about an hour or two, and then nothing.
I do have a pinched nerve in my elbow that causes my ring and pinky fingers to fall seep almost instantly when my arm if fully bent.
My question, Is this a pinched never issue? Or could a vein really only be pinched when the elbow is bent between 110 and 130 degrees?
For a year or so now, when I squat or hold a push-up at the peak, my left arm starts to flush and feel like a swollen balloon. My forearm veins being to look like they're becoming squiggly and swollen, the veins of my left had also begin to appear larger. I can't tell if they are because a vein is pinched or if it's just from increased blood flow during the exercise. There's also some elbow pain during this, as if my elbow is full of liquid.
The flushing and apparent swelling vanish once I straighten my arm out. The strangest thing is that this only happens when the elbow is at an obtuse angle; if I do pull-ups or standing military presses or even hold Dumbbells at 90 degrees this doesn't happen. After I'm done working out, my elbow is really sore for about an hour or two, and then nothing.
I do have a pinched nerve in my elbow that causes my ring and pinky fingers to fall seep almost instantly when my arm if fully bent.
My question, Is this a pinched never issue? Or could a vein really only be pinched when the elbow is bent between 110 and 130 degrees?
Brief Answer:
Colour doppler scan is required
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I understand your concern.
You possibly seem to have issues with both nerve and blood vessels.
This could possibly be Cubital tunnel syndrome.
I advise you to get a Duplex Colour Doppler scan of the elbow.
This scan can accurately guide us for the presence of any vascular obstruction.
Further management whether medical or surgical is largely based on test results.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Colour doppler scan is required
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir,
I understand your concern.
You possibly seem to have issues with both nerve and blood vessels.
This could possibly be Cubital tunnel syndrome.
I advise you to get a Duplex Colour Doppler scan of the elbow.
This scan can accurately guide us for the presence of any vascular obstruction.
Further management whether medical or surgical is largely based on test results.
Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


Thank you for the idea. Would my cardiologist do a Duplex Colour Doppler scan, or do I need to see some other kind of doctor.
Brief Answer:
Consult a Radiologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir.
Duplex scan is better performed by Radiologist/sonologist.
Hence consult a Radiologist for expert management.
Thank you.
Consult a Radiologist.
Detailed Answer:
Hi Sir.
Duplex scan is better performed by Radiologist/sonologist.
Hence consult a Radiologist for expert management.
Thank you.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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