What could cause elbow swelling?

Question

Hi doctor,

My elbow is swollen for some reason. Now it is bleeding red and white. All my hands is swollen, and it was painful the first few days. There is no relief in pain. I can send you a photo if I can do that.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.

I do understand your concern.

According to the picture (attachments removed for patient’s identity protection) and history provided, it seems to be a septic arthritis case or an abscess in skin tissue. Answer the following questions:

Are you suffering from a fever history?
Any history of insect bites?

Mostly it will be a bacterial infection of skin tissue, but joints might also be involved if the movement of joints is restricted.Your workup is done as follows:

Total count of blood (CBC)
X-ray of elbow joint.
Blood culture only if needed.
Joint aspiration only if needed.

You can be given a short-term steroid course and antibiotic course for this condition

If the abscess is large enough then an incision and drainage procedure might be needed

Consult a nearby orthopedic surgeon or general surgeon for examination and further management.For pain analgesics such as buprofen or Paracetamol, like any anti-inflammatory drug, can be taken

Thank you for reaching out to me at icliniq.com.

I hope I was able to help you.

Wishing you a better health.