[45F] With elbow and arm swelling, fever, and pain

Patient Description

A 45-year-old female presents with a sudden onset of swelling in the entire arm, which has been ongoing for a month. The swelling is firm on the elbow and soft in the rest of the arm and hand. The patient also reports redness and warmth around the swollen area. The primary symptom is throbbing pain in the elbow, which is exacerbated by extending the arm, lifting objects, or even laying the arm down. The pain is severe enough to prevent the patient from picking up a drink without experiencing extreme pain in the elbow, hand, and entire arm. There is no history of recent injuries, trauma, insect bites, cuts, or scratches on the arm or elbow. No recent diagnostic tests have been performed for this condition.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described—sudden onset of a knot on top of the elbow, swelling in the whole arm, fever, redness, warmth, and extreme pain—there are a few serious conditions that could be causing your symptoms:

  1. Infection (Septic Arthritis or Cellulitis): The combination of fever, redness, warmth, and swelling suggests a possible infection. Septic arthritis is an infection in the joint, while cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection. Both conditions require immediate medical attention to prevent the infection from spreading.

  2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): Although less common in the arm, a blood clot could cause swelling, pain, and redness. This is a serious condition that requires prompt treatment to prevent complications like a pulmonary embolism.

  3. Bursitis or Tendonitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs) or tendons around the elbow can cause pain and swelling. However, the presence of fever and extensive swelling makes an infection more likely.

  4. Abscess: A localized collection of pus due to an infection can cause a firm, painful swelling. This would also require urgent medical treatment.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Visit the Emergency Room: Due to the combination of fever, extensive swelling, and severe pain, you should go to the emergency room as soon as possible. These symptoms could indicate a serious infection or other urgent condition that needs prompt treatment.

  2. Call 911: If you are unable to get to the hospital on your own, or if your symptoms worsen, call 911 for emergency medical assistance.

  3. Avoid Using the Affected Arm: Try to keep your arm elevated and avoid using it to prevent further pain and swelling.

  4. Stay Hydrated and Rest: While waiting for medical help, make sure to stay hydrated and rest as much as possible.

Remember, I am not a doctor, and this information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please seek care from a real health professional to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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4 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of an arm infection like cellulitis or septic arthritis?

Common symptoms of an arm infection such as cellulitis or septic arthritis include redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and sometimes fever. The affected area may also feel tender to the touch.

How can I differentiate between a blood clot in the arm and other causes of arm swelling?

A blood clot in the arm, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can cause swelling, pain, and redness similar to other conditions. However, DVT may also cause a feeling of heaviness or tightness in the arm. It's important to seek medical evaluation to differentiate between these conditions.

What immediate steps should I take if I suspect an infection in my arm?

If you suspect an infection in your arm, seek immediate medical attention. You should visit the emergency room or contact a healthcare provider as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep the arm elevated, avoid using it, and stay hydrated.

What are the potential risks if an arm infection is left untreated?

If an arm infection is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as the spread of infection to other parts of the body, sepsis, or permanent damage to the affected tissues. Prompt treatment is crucial to prevent these outcomes.

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