Should I See a Doctor?
Hello! About five days ago, I had a fall and landed directly on my elbow. Initially, for the first couple of days, I experienced a complete inability to move it, coupled with numbness and only mild pain. The swelling was significant, and there was quite a bit of nerve discomfort. Fortunately, the swelling has decreased, and I have regained roughly 70% of my movement. I can manage to use my fingers and lift light objects, but applying any significant pressure is impossible; for example, pushing down on anything feels numb and weak. I also struggle to grip items firmly. Today I noticed that my elbow has turned blue and bruised, which was not the case initially. As a professional athlete currently recovering from ACL surgery, finances are a concern for me since medical costs in my area are high. My husband suggested we visit a doctor; however, he believes it’s likely just a minor issue, and unless there’s a fracture, treatment may be limited. I don’t think it’s broken, but I worry that if there’s an underlying problem, it could heal improperly. Given the crucial role my arm plays in my sport, I’m hesitant to ignore potential issues. I would appreciate any guidance on what steps I should take next! I’m a 25-year-old woman, standing at 170 cm and weighing 51 kg. I’m not on any medication but am currently breastfeeding. My nutritional intake isn’t the best, which has left my bones a little fragile.
Answers (1)
7/13/2025, 7:10:31 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about your elbow, especially after a recent fall, particularly given your athletic background and recovery from ACL surgery. The combination of symptoms you describe—swelling, bruising, numbness, and limited movement—can indicate several things, including a possible injury to muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves around the elbow.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms warrant careful monitoring, given your activities as an athlete.
- The bruising and ongoing numbness suggest that it might be prudent to evaluate the injury more thoroughly.
Explanation:
After a fall, bruising can develop over time, and symptoms like numbness and weakness may indicate nerve involvement or damage to the surrounding structures. The fact that you've regained some movement is positive, but the combination of persistent numbness and difficulty applying pressure or gripping tightly signifies that further care might be necessary to ensure proper healing and to avoid complications.
Next Steps:
-
Self-Assessment:
- Monitor your pain levels, range of motion, and any changes in sensation. Take note of any new symptoms such as increased pain or swelling.
-
Rest and Ice:
- Rest your elbow as much as possible and avoid heavy activities that require strength or grip. Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to help reduce any remaining swelling.
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Elevate and Protect:
- Keep your elbow elevated to reduce swelling and consider using a brace or support during daily activities to stabilize your elbow.
-
Gradual Movement:
- Start gentle range-of-motion exercises as tolerated, like wrist flexion and extension and elbow bending and straightening. Avoid any movements that cause significant pain.
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Consider further evaluation:
- While I understand your concerns about cost, if symptoms don't improve or if they worsen in the next few days (especially if you have continued numbness, severe pain, or increased inability to move your elbow), it would be wise to seek professional evaluation. Imaging, such as an X-ray, can rule out fractures or other serious injuries.
While it's understandable to want to avoid unnecessary expenses, ensuring you don’t have any serious underlying damage is vital, particularly since your arm is essential for both daily activities and your sport. Know that you're taking thoughtful steps by considering a professional assessment. Please keep me updated on how you're feeling!
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