Arm trauma - Upper limb contusion

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It is a direct blow of low to medium intensity in an arm, without fracture, causing pain, bruising and inflammation.

The diagnosis is based on reviewing the patient's clinical history and a physical examination and is treated solely with regular analgesics.

Cold helps lowering the inflammation and pain during the first 48 hours. See your regular doctor if the pain persists over time or if it limits movement of the limb.

Bibliographic references
  1. D. N. Kulund. Lesiones del deportista. Codo, muñeca y mano. Salvat. 283-315.
  2. L. Iglesias, M. Pardo, M. Villanueva. Heridas, contusiones y pequeños traumatismos. Farm Prof. 2002;16(1):58-71.
  3. MedlinePlus. Rockville. 2017. Lesiones y enfermedades del brazo; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: https://medlineplus.gov/spanish/arminjuriesanddisorders.html
  4. UpToDate [Internet]. Waltham. 2017. Throwing injuries of the upper extremity: Clinical presentation and diagnostic approach; [citado el 20 de junio de 2017]. Disponible en: http://www.uptodate.com/contents/throwing-injuries-of-the-upper-extremity-clinical-presentation-and-diagnostic-approach?source=search_result&search=traumatismo+brazo&selectedTitle=1~95
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Symptoms

    Upper limb pain


    Pain in arm


    Pain where the forearm bends


    Pain in the inner side of the elbow


    Pain on the outer side of the elbow

Symptoms to watch out for

The bruise doesn't disappear and/or worsens after a week
Pain that doesn't subside with analgesics
Inability to move the extremity

Self-care

Consume over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories.
Apply local cold in the area of the lesion 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
Keep the limb raised
Avoid doing abrupt movements.