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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Got Elbowed In The Cheek. Used Ice For The Swelling. Had A Noticeable Bruise. Not Able To Chew. Suggestions?

Hi, I was recently playing basketball and got elbowed right in the cheek area. I didn't go to the er because I was just laid off and don't have medical insurance. I applied ice to keep the swelling down. The next day I had a noticeable bruise and swelling on the area where I got hit and some bruising under eye. It's been about 4 days since and the bruising and pain has subsided somewhat but I noticed that my smile is crooked and doesn't match the other side of my mouth. I don't know if that is because of the area where I got hit and that muscle is bruised so it can't fully pull up the side of my mouth or what the deal is. I wasn't able to chew food very well the first couple days but I have no problem now. I was hoping you could tell me what the issue might be here and what I can do. Thank you.
Wed, 14 Aug 2013
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement 's  Response
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.

Based on the description, I suspect a soft tissue hematoma at the injured site.

It will resolve spontaneously within 2 weeks. In the meantime -
* Do Ice packing once in 2 hours
* Moist heat application to relax the muscles
* Analgesics and Muscle relaxants as needed

Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi's  Response
Hello, Thanks for writing to us,

As you hit hard with your bony elbow on cheek there must be soft tissue injury to your cheek muscles too .
I will advise you to continue ice fomentation to cheek, take anti inflammatory .
If required x ray may be needed.
Medication like trypsin will help in reducing swelling.
There must be some associated teeth injury also.

I hope that I have answered your query. Let me know if I can help you further. Take car
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement Dr. Saurabh Gupta's  Response
Hi,

Since its over the bony prominence (the cheek bone )the depth of the bruise is deep may take more days than any other area.

If you apply warm compresses i believe it may take not more than 15 days from now and also apply Calamine lotion over the area it will add to the healing at least thrice a day , the more you keep it warm more it heals.

Watch for tenderness over the area, watch for increased temperature in the injured area and finally watch for color change from bluish to black. If the answer is yes for any of these, then you will have to review with your doctor.

Wishing you soon recovery.....
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Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
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Got Elbowed In The Cheek. Used Ice For The Swelling. Had A Noticeable Bruise. Not Able To Chew. Suggestions?

Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Based on the description, I suspect a soft tissue hematoma at the injured site. It will resolve spontaneously within 2 weeks. In the meantime - * Do Ice packing once in 2 hours * Moist heat application to relax the muscles * Analgesics and Muscle relaxants as needed Hope this information is helpful. Good day