The complaint of swelling that can occur in various parts of the body is usually a condition caused by inflammation (inflammation) or local fluid accumulation. Conditions such as insect bites, various diseases, and trauma are among other conditions that can result in swelling. Due to the fact that the arms are constantly used limbs, the problems that occur in these structures can be noticed quite early. Arm swelling may also be accompanied by symptoms such as pain, limitation of movement in the arm, and loss of strength. It can be a cause for concern when the arm suddenly appears larger than normal. Although this situation is caused by injuries or repetitive strains in many cases, it is recommended to be careful in cases of arm swelling and pain caused by conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, bone infection and cellulitis (skin infection) in some people, as emergency treatment may be required.
What Causes Arm Swelling?
As in other body parts, both blood circulation and lymph circulation in the arm region act as structures responsible for absorbing excess fluid in this region. Venous (veins) veins collect blood in the arm and send it to the heart. Lymph vessels, another circulatory system, are responsible for absorbing the cellular fluid residue in this region.
A problem in either of these two circulatory systems can cause fluid to collect in the arm area, resulting in swelling under the arm. In addition to circulation problems, problems involving the elbow joint are among the causes of arm swelling, which can be seen in the form of swelling in the elbow.
The causes of arm swelling can be summarized as follows: Conditions such as trauma are among the discomforts that may result in arm swelling. The formation of clots in the deep venous vessels of the body is called “deep vein thrombosis”. The resulting clot breaking off from this area and reaching other parts of the body is a condition called “embolism”.
Although deep vein thrombosis is an event that usually affects the legs, it should not be forgotten that it can also develop in the arms. Detect deep vein thrombosis in the upper extremity These cases constitute approximately 4-10% of all thrombosis cases. The development of deep vein thrombosis in the arm may manifest itself with swelling in one arm, depending on the side where it occurs. Cramp-like pain, tenderness to touch, dark discoloration of the skin and feeling that area warm are other symptoms that may accompany arm swelling. The occurrence of tingling in the fingers may indicate that the nerves are also under pressure due to swelling in the arm. Anatomical abnormalities, such as extra ribs, are the most common cause of arm swelling that develops in this way.
2) Problems Related to the Lymphatic System Damages in the lymphatic drainage of the arm region or mechanical obstructions in these vessels may result in swelling of the arm vessels called lymphedema. Tumors, surgeries involving lymph nodes, and some infections can trigger the development of lymphedema, which may present with swelling in the arm. It is common for people to have swelling in their arms after the removal of the armpit lymph nodes in the surgical treatment of breast cancer. Arm swelling that occurs with lymphedema is a condition that can affect the entire arm and fingers.
In addition to the complaint of swelling in the left or right arm, depending on the affected area, the feeling of tension and heaviness in the arm, limitation of the range of motion, pain or discomfort in the affected arm, tingling and thickening of the arm skin are among the other symptoms that may occur due to lymphedema.
3) Inflammatory (Inflammatory) Conditions Conditions that trigger an inflammatory response, such as vaccine applications from the arm or insect bites, are among the causes of arm swelling.
4) Causes of Trauma-Related Arm SwellingAfter various injuries in the arm region, arm swelling may occur. The biceps muscle is the muscle in the anterior region of the upper arm, popularly known as the biceps. Conditions such as biceps tendinitis (tendon inflammation) or sudden fracture caused by overuse of this muscle may present with swelling in the right or left arm on the affected side with pain in the arm.
Chronic pain syndrome, arm region It is another cause of arm swelling, which is characterized by pain, swelling, abnormal temperature perception and skin appearance changes that occur after the patient is exposed to a trauma.
5) Infections Infections that occur in the skin or deep tissues of the arm region may cause symptoms such as arm swelling, redness or temperature increase in this area. Skin infections, expressed as cellulite, are diseases that occur due to bacteria and affect the deep layers of the skin. Cellulitis infection, which is usually detected in the lower leg area, can also occur in the upper extremity with the contamination of bacteria from the cracks in the arm skin.
How is the Diagnosis of Arm Swelling?
After applying to health institutions with the complaint of arm swelling, physicians may apply to various tests to clarify the underlying cause of this condition. Imaging methods such as ultrasonography are among the first tests applied to visualize changes in the swelling area. If necessary, advanced radiological examinations such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging can also be used. >How is Arm Swelling Treated?
Treatment for arm swelling may vary depending on the underlying cause of this condition. Anticoagulant (anti-clotting) drugs are the main treatment method prescribed by physicians to people who prevent clot formation in the body and who experience arm swelling due to recurrent clots. In some cases where clots are detected in the arm veins by imaging methods, thrombolytic drug therapy can also be applied to dissolve the clot.
In cases of arm swelling caused by anatomical abnormalities or trauma, surgical procedures can be applied if other treatment methods are ineffective. Antibiotic treatment is applied for swelling caused by infection.
Another arm skewer The obstruction of the lymphatic drainage, which is the cause of urinary incontinence, is a condition that can be partially relieved by applications such as massage. In cases with regression in this way, further investigations are recommended for the presence of underlying infection or tumor.
In cases of arm swelling caused by simple reasons such as straining the arm while using it, rest and cold applications to this area may be beneficial.
Which doctor to go to for arm swelling?
Which doctor to go to for arm swelling? It will vary depending on the underlying cause of this situation. If the swelling in the arm area is caused by a trauma, orthopedic specialists, in the presence of skin infection, dermatology or infection specialists, and in cases of arm swelling caused by vascular problems, cardiology specialists can help to solve this problem. For swelling that occurs in any part of your body, internists can help you to illuminate the underlying cause of this condition.
Arm swelling is a problem that can occur due to many different problems. In case of arm swelling that does not go away with rest or if this complaint is accompanied by different symptoms, it is recommended to seek support from specialist physicians by applying to health institutions.
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