right elbow swelling?

Question

my uncle has a large swelling on his right elbow which has persisted for 2 weeks now, he has taken mefenamic acid for the pain, but the swelling hasnt changed. he does have a history of arthritis, is this just a complication of the arthritis or could it be caused by an infection

Answer 1

It sounds like a repeated stess injury. Bursitis typically starts on the tip of the elbow, doesnot involve mechanical structures directly, is more related to leaning on the elbows rather than sporting activities, and the "popeye arm" is usually related to secondary inflammation, in adults, occassionally to Gout.


If it's due to injury; it may be more related to the common flexor origin . This is the part ofthe inner side the elbow, where the bulk of the muscles that flex your wrist insert. Try flexing your wrist, and feel on the inner side of the elbow. .If the swelling your uncle has corresponds to the location of the bulge that appears on his elbow when he flexes your wrist, then this is undoubtedly the case. The treatment of Motrin to reduce the infalammation is absolutely right, and he may a forearm support for future along with some reduction in the amount of throwing he does for some time.

However if he is not able to fully extend his elbow; then perhaps; it might be related to some bicipital tendinitis. The biceps tendon attaches to the forearm in front of the elbow and is the cord like structure directly infront of your elbow. If this is the area of tenderness or swelling, this may be the cause and may acccount for the limitation in extension.

Other non-specific problems can cause similar symptoms...for most scenarios the treament you have insituted would work very well. Delay in return of full extension can be caused by swelling itself, if it is the joint, by local fibrosis, or rarely by myositis ossificans. This last is a rare condition, and I wouldn't worry about this right now...suffice it to say that the treatment for this is said to be "masterly neglect"...I. e. the less you do to treat it, the better it gets.


The following conditions are possible causes for elbow swelling:

Allergic reaction
Aneurysm
Blunt trauma
Cellulitis
Elbow conditions - Elbow swelling - Bursitis, rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis; Radial tunnel syndrome
Elbow injury - Elbow swelling - trauma, fracture, dislocation
Gout - elbow swelling
Heart failure
Infection
Insect bite
Lymphadenopathy
Lymphedema
Medications
Renal failure
Venous insufficiency
Venous thrombosis

Answer 2

When you work out every time your muscle's get starved from water the proper water intake is a plus. If you just broke your collar bone than that means that a nerve is getting pinched somewhere casing you to lose blood. Take it easy when lifting. Remember its not how much you lift, its proper motion. Also try Creatine it helps muscle's keep water, as long as you drink water.

Answer 3

since he has a history of arthritis ,its usually an acute attack in the joint,if its an infection it could be usually associated with fever ,and generalized weakness ,malaise he will look and fell sick ,the best therapy is supporting the joint in a neutral position ,analgesics ,and wait for the flare to calm down ...

Answer 4

Staph infection has broken out in the U.S. This could turn deadly if not treated or it could possibly just inflammation. If he is a diabetic get help ASAP!!

Answer 5

get a doctor bro