[45M] Experiencing sharp nerve pain in right elbow with swelling and discoloration

Patient Description

A 45-year-old male has been experiencing sharp nerve pain in his right elbow for a little over a month, rating the severity as 9 out of 10. The pain is localized to the elbow, accompanied by swelling, discoloration, and severe pain upon movement. Additionally, the patient reports numbness and tingling in the arm and hand, as well as recent onset of shoulder joint pain. The patient has a history of mixed connective tissue disease diagnosed approximately 6 years ago, with noted sensitivity to sunlight and heat. Currently, the patient is not on any medications and has no known drug allergies. Recent symptoms also include fever and chills, but no red streaks are observed, only purple bruising around the elbow. The patient has not experienced any recent injuries or accidents that could explain the onset of these symptoms.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Olecranon Bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between bones and soft tissues, becomes inflamed at the tip of the elbow. This can cause pain, swelling, and sometimes discoloration. The fact that you're experiencing severe pain and swelling localized to the olecranon area of your elbow could point to this condition.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, a doctor might recommend physical therapy, a brace, or even surgery.

  • Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This is a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow, typically due to repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. However, you didn't mention any repetitive activities or injuries that could have caused this.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and pain relievers. In some cases, a brace might be recommended.

  • Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD): This is a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause a variety of symptoms, including joint pain. Since you have a history of MCTD, it's possible that your symptoms are related to this condition.

    • Treatment for MCTD typically involves managing symptoms and may include medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

What you can do

  1. Rest your elbow and avoid any activities that cause pain.
  2. Apply ice to your elbow for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  3. Try over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  4. Consider wearing an elbow brace or wrap to help support the joint and reduce pain.
  5. Contact your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and possible treatments.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain or swelling worsens.
  • You develop a fever or chills.
  • You notice red streaks leading away from the area of pain.
  • You have difficulty moving your elbow or arm.
  • Your symptoms do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, diagnosis, and treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What is olecranon bursitis and how is it treated?

Olecranon bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow, causing pain, swelling, and sometimes discoloration. Treatment usually involves rest, ice application, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In some cases, physical therapy, a brace, or surgery may be recommended.

Can mixed connective tissue disease cause joint pain and what are the treatment options?

Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) is an autoimmune disorder that can cause joint pain among other symptoms. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and may include medications like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow and how is it typically managed?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is characterized by pain caused by overuse of the elbow, often due to repetitive wrist and arm motions. Management typically involves rest, physical therapy, pain relievers, and sometimes a brace.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for elbow pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if your elbow pain or swelling worsens, you develop a fever or chills, notice red streaks leading away from the area, have difficulty moving your elbow or arm, or if symptoms do not improve with rest and over-the-counter treatments.

1 Comments

lexi#101

8 mo ago

It seems like whatever is swelling up and causing the discoloration is compressing on a nerve that passes through your elbow. Might be best to see a doctor at this point because you wouldn't want to risk permanent nerve damage

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