Should I Be Worried About This Indentation?
Background: I’m a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'4" and weighing 150 pounds. For over three years, I've worn snug bracelets on my forearm to the extent that they leave indentations. Recently, I consulted a physician regarding a lump I noticed; however, the doctor assured me that there was no lump present and that my arm appeared normal. She suggested that it might just be an indentation or possibly an issue with a compressed nerve. What I'm experiencing: - I’ve noted some weakness in my arm, but thankfully, that is gradually diminishing. - When lifting my arm, it occasionally feels a bit heavy, yet this sensation is also improving. - I have encountered mild numbness affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers. The area of my forearm where I felt the bump seems soft; it resembles one of those stress-relief squeeze toys you can attach to a phone case. It’s located around my wrist. While I’d typically share a photo for clarity, I understand that's not permissible here. Comparing my arms, my left arm isn’t particularly slender, but it isn’t as hefty as my right arm. I suspect this discrepancy arises from my habit of wearing a tight bangle in an inappropriate area, which then migrated down to my forearm. Additionally, I’ve accessorized with two moderately tight bracelets that leave marks after just a few minutes or even hours. I can fit two fingers comfortably within the bracelet’s clearance on my wrist. At times, I’ve adjusted the position further down my arm, or stacked on three bracelets instead of two. I have noticed a slight warmth in the vicinity of the bump, though I’m unsure if this is simply due to the irritation I’ve caused. Any guidance would be appreciated. Should I seek a second opinion, or am I overreacting as my parents suggest? Just to clarify, I have removed the bracelets now.
Answers (1)
7/20/2025, 2:40:43 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the indentations and sensations you're experiencing in your arm, especially given your history of wearing snug bracelets. Here’s a breakdown:
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Current Symptoms: You’ve described a gradual decrease in arm weakness, a heavy feeling when lifting, and mild numbness in your fingers. The warmth in the vicinity could be a reaction from your skin due to prolonged pressure and irritation from the bracelets.
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Possible Causes: The symptoms you describe, including the indentations, weakness, and numbness, can often be linked to nerve compression, particularly if the bracelets were too tight and over a long period. In your case, the ulnar nerve—responsible for sensation in your pinky and part of your ring finger—could be affected by pressure in your forearm or wrist.
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What to Do Next: While the physician reassured you that there’s no significant issue, it’s crucial to monitor your symptoms as they might indicate a need for further evaluation. Here are some prioritized steps you can take:
- Avoid Tight Accessories: You’ve already removed the bracelets, which is excellent. Keep this up to prevent further irritation or compression.
- Rest and Ice: Give your arm plenty of rest. Applying ice wrapped in a cloth to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce any inflammation.
- Gentle Exercises: Once the discomfort eases, consider gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises for your wrist and forearm to help maintain mobility and strength without aggravating the area.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in sensation, strength, or temperature. If the numbness worsens or if you experience increased pain, seek further medical advice.
- Consult a Specialist: If symptoms persist or if you’re feeling uncertain, seeking a second opinion from a specialist, such as a neurologist or orthopedic surgeon, could provide more reassurance and clarity.
It's important to listen to your body's signals, and since you're already observing improvement, focus on recovery and gradual re-introduction of activities that do not involve tight accessories. Reach out if you have more questions or need further guidance!
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