What Do Bruising Under The Armpit Along With Shoulder Pain Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 17 Nov 2016

Question: I have bruising under armpit with shoulder pain. The pain has spread to my forearm as I try to throw a baseball. I do pitch and am unable to do so. I have not had any trauma to my shoulder or armpit area. I have had shoulder pain earlier this year and it has resided and I was able to play baseball but now it has not.

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rotator cuff tear

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Thanks for the query.

Since you are unable to pitch, it indicates that you have weakness of the shoulder muscles surrounding the shoulder.

This could be a Rotator cuff tear. It is common in pitchers.

I suggest you get an Xray and MRI of the affected shoulder to look for the tear in the muscles.

Till then, avoid overhead activities, lifting weights, pitching or throwing any objects, climbing up using your hands etc.

Apply warm packs to the affected region. Take pain killers like Tab Paracetamol 650mg twice to thrice daily after food.

Do follow up with me after the MRI so that I can comment on the treatment accordingly.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Aashish Raghu (12 hours later)

I am able to extend my arm completely upward without any pain as well as laterally with minimal pain. I can duplicate a throwing motion without pain. But when I attempt to throw across my body I have no arm strength and the pain at the end of my release stops me from finishing my throw. Is this still a rotator cuff problem as I thought I would not be able to have as much range of motion?

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (32 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
MRI absolutely necessary

Detailed Answer:
Yes. It definitely is. The could be associated lesions around the shoulder joint as well like SLAP lesion,which is causing the pain.

Do get the MRI done for proper diagnosis which will help in deciding the treatment.

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D