Bruise and lump above elbow after direct blow? Help?

[Hockey27925]

Two weeks ago i got hit by a hockey puck right above the elbow, but below the tricep and in between the backside and the side of the arm. There is a lump there now, but no discoloration of the skin (black and blue), but it is painful to move. Either fully extended or bent all the way there is a little discomfort especially in tricep movements. There was swelling in the forearm the 3-5 days prior to the incident that looked like a golf ball in the middle of my forearm, but has now become non-existent, but the lump above the elbow has not increased or decreased since then. All the i have tried is ice, anti-inflamatory, and Arnica Gel (a natural gel to reduce pain and swelling). Should I heat the area? Massage it? How long for it to feel better? Other treatments and other possibilities other than just a bad bruise?

[Heidi]

Hi
You have tried the right things with the ice, anti-inflammatories and arnica.
Heat is probably not going to be effective and I would suggest to continue with ice.
I imagine that the injury is a contusion. These are more common in the thighs or calfs, you can find out a bit more here: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/frontthigh/deadleg.htm
Continue to rest and try to stretch the triceps muscles: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/triceps_stretch.php
if no improvement in a week or so, visit a physio/sports therapist etc

[Hockey27925]

There is some improvement, its been about 2 1/2 weeks now, the swelling is still there, but the pain has subsided for the most part. It was difficult for the first few days to swing a golf club, and now there is little to minor pain, but still is pain if i try to use the tricep muscle directly. Should i still see the doctor? Possibilities for full recovery?

[Darren_H]

It may stay thickened for quite a while. It's not in the bicep is it? There is a condition called myositis ossificans that can develop after large contusions, commonly in the quadriceps and biceps. This would show up on x-ray as it is a bony growth within the muscle. Chances are that isn't the problem, but I would avoid anything that causes pain distinctly at the site of the contusion and let it heal completely. It should get better slowly.

[Hockey27925]

No its not on the bicept, its about 160 degree from the bicept musle just where the tricep muscle comes down to the elbow, somewhere in that area. it would even hurt at first to shampoo my hair, but now i can even swing a golf club with no pain or very little like less than 5% pain. Can i still swing the club or should i wait it out. The swelling has gone down by about 15% or so

[Darren_H]

So the contusion was in the tricep? What does it feel like right now? Is it thick and hard? If swinging a club is pain free then I wouldn't worry. Just don't push things too hard. Large contusions do require some rest and healing time.

[Hockey27925]

its a little hard the bump but it has gone down by at least 50% by now its been about 3 weeks, and the only thing i feel is the tricep muslce becoming tight when i bend my elbow all the way or after swinging the golf club around. Other than that it is fine. the contusion is about an inch above the elbow and and inch inwards towards the forearm muscle

[david c]

i currentley have the same type of injury to top of arm half way between wrist and elbow no bruise just knot it has been there 4 weeks did your knot go away