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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Left Arm Pain, Blotchy Line From Wrist To Elbow, Knot In Elbow, No Incidence Of Injury. What Could Be The Cause?

Hi! I woke up today with left arm pain. It starts in my wrist up to the outside of my elbow . There is a red blotchy line from wrist to elbow. It is extremely sensitive to touch. At my elbow there is a knot. It is red and blotchy as well. From this knot on my elbow to almost my arm poor is the red blotchy line. I have not injured my arm recently. I have no idea what it is or how it is here. I know its never been there before. It is uncomfortable constantly, pain rate about a 5. If I touch it the pain is at a 9. What could this be? I also feel heat in my arm in the areas described. Thank you for your time.
Fri, 21 Dec 2012
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Cosmetic & Plastic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hello,
From your description it appears that you have lymphangitis since there is redness, warmth and pain. It is most commonly caused by infection in the distal part of the limb which is the hand so search for a source carefully there. The lymph vessels drain upwards that is why you have the red blotchy line going up to your elbow. I would ask you to consult a surgeon on an immediate basis to discern the cause of the infection and you would possibly require antibiotic therapy and analgesics.
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Left Arm Pain, Blotchy Line From Wrist To Elbow, Knot In Elbow, No Incidence Of Injury. What Could Be The Cause?

Hello, From your description it appears that you have lymphangitis since there is redness, warmth and pain. It is most commonly caused by infection in the distal part of the limb which is the hand so search for a source carefully there. The lymph vessels drain upwards that is why you have the red blotchy line going up to your elbow. I would ask you to consult a surgeon on an immediate basis to discern the cause of the infection and you would possibly require antibiotic therapy and analgesics.