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What Causes Acute Pain And Swelling In The Back Of An Elderly Person?
My 81 yr old husband fell at Home Depot and landed on his rightside back and shoulder and under his arm. He was able to come home and there is no bruising, however, after 3 hrs he is in acute pain and his back is rt side back is swollen - still no bruising. Should I take him to the ER for xrays and treatment, or wait and see if he gets better?
Wed, 7 Jun 2017
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service.
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The fall your husband had might cause injury to bones underneath (ribs or vertebra), a strong hit can cause trauma to soft tissue (causing inflammation and probable blood collection), important organs like liver or kidney may get injured and need early treatment.
Looking at his age, I would advise a visit to ER and get examined by a doctor and first aid treatment as per need. Get investigated as per doctor's suggestions. In my view, MRI would be better investigation to give better picture at the site of swelling.
Before transferring to ER he should take rest lying on the left side. Let him take sips of juice or water or water to keep energy level normal. Ice bag will soothe a bit. Do not massage or foment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
The fall your husband had might cause injury to bones underneath (ribs or vertebra), a strong hit can cause trauma to soft tissue (causing inflammation and probable blood collection), important organs like liver or kidney may get injured and need early treatment.
Looking at his age, I would advise a visit to ER and get examined by a doctor and first aid treatment as per need. Get investigated as per doctor's suggestions. In my view, MRI would be better investigation to give better picture at the site of swelling.
Before transferring to ER he should take rest lying on the left side. Let him take sips of juice or water or water to keep energy level normal. Ice bag will soothe a bit. Do not massage or foment.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Vasudha Jayant Athavale
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