I fell down the stairs, no fractures, but a huge swelling - what to do ?

I was walking down the front steps(dreaming), I slipped and hit the floor with my back. (thankfully, I didn't hit the steps)

My right arm took most of the impact. The wrist hurts a little bit, but thats not a big thing, it will go away. BUT the back of my right elbow looks like it has a large tennis ball attached to it. and it hurts bad.

I am not able to stretch my arm more than 150Degrees (people can, upto 180 degrees) or below 40 degrees. My right palm cant touch the right shoulder. Every time I move it closer to the shoulder, it gives me a terrible streak of pain from the tip of my fingers to the neck. Can't write or type properly, how do you get rid of the pain and swelling?

I can pick up things but not more than 3 books.

(First aid: Deep Heat & Elmetacin Spray Solutions)

middle of the night. and can't drive right now.

Ru, I'm so sorry this happened to you the day before you
know what or anytime. Sorry I missed you before you went to
sleep. I called a nurseline service (part of my Blue Shield).
I said it happened 13 hours ago...probably way off...sorry. I
tried to accurately describe situation and symptoms as you
stated. Here's what she said:
1. See doctor within 6 hours.
2. Especially if redness spreading away from swollen area
occurs.
3. Apply ice packs for 10-20 minutes every 2-4 hours.
4. Elevate arm if swelling gets worse.
5. Put arm in a sling when up and about.
6. Tylenol is recommended for pain rather than Advil
(Ibuproffin) which can cause bleeding. Personally, I prefer
Advil anyway!

Hope this helps you when you awaken, Ru. It did come from
a real nurse. Please see a doctor if it has not improved. Let
me know how you're doing.

Good luck. Happy ________!

~Sheila

You had better see a doctor to see if you have fractured your elbow.

Apply ice to the swelling .

from motocross racing...im had hematoma...blood buildup that turns into calcium....you have to massage or rub it so it will dissolve and go away if you dont you will have a lump always
bikesorbust.com

I think you should go to a doctor and tell him all you told us. It's very important to do it fast because it could infect or something. I can't help you more and nobody on this site could because we can't see your elbow. I'm so sorry! Go to the doctor as fast as possible.


If it's not possible just put some ice on the elbow.

Take Nurofen and go to the doctor ASAP.

Ice for the swelling
Tylenol or anything for the pain
Hospital or doctor is advised. Now, not tomorrow

put ice compressions on it for 30 mintue intervals and keep it elevated at the brusing point. take some tylenol or advil for pain and sicn eyou cant drive it mite be a good thing to see if some one can drive you to the nearest immediate care center from there they can take xrays and see if more measures need to be taken!!! plus the can give you some better pain medication to help !!! hope you feel better soon!!

Can't drive? Call a taxi, man, and get yourself to the emergency room right now.

If they have such a thing in your area, call 911 (or whatever emergency response you have). The pain is causing you to not think clearly. GET HELP NOW!!!

Please stop trying to type. Apply ice. Take Tylenol (acetaminophen). Keep it still. Stop trying to do the things that hurt.

You have to get to a doctor as soon as possible. You need an x-ray. You might not have fractured it but you could still have chipped the bone.

Please invent teleportation device in your enforced inactivity time... I can evaluate injuries better in person.

Ouch!!

Listening to medical advice from Answers isn't a good idea really Ru ~ too much confliction and it's also coming from people who generally aren't medically experienced.

Listen to the advice of your doc!!

Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and a very careful *hug* :)

Nurse Linley, over and out.

You silly billy! The streak of pain might be because you've pulled a muscle as you've fallen but as soon as you can I would recommend seeing a doctor...and taking a couple of paracetamol to ease you're suffering!!!

Sorry I can't be of more help! Get better soon!!!

You could very well have broken, or a least cracked the bone in your elbow....you have to get it xrayed. Do not let this go....just heat won't help if it's broken....and some breaks have bones that chip off inside....get it checked by a doctor right away!

to late to answer your question, however, next time pick up the ice you spilled when you dropped your cocktail glass as you were falling and immediately apply to the injured area. I think what you had on your elboe is called a"bursa" spelling?

From the things you are describing, you could be seriously injured. Do yourself a favor and go to the emergency room as soon as you can. For future reference- ICE for first 72 hours to reduce swelling and pain. Also, have someone make you a sling so that you don't have to move it until you get to hospital.