Did I mess up my arm?

[woothewoo]

two days ago, i slipped in my garage and fell on my back hitting my tailbone and elbow. this caused excruciating pain down my back and arm but not like i’ve broken a bone bad? anyway ik i didn’t break my tailbone most likely just bruised it (i’ve broken it before and this pain isn’t as bad) but my butt and back are still in pain. anyway after an hour the pain in my elbow went away and i went to sleep. yesterday morning i woke up to a very sore arm. every time i moved it i got pain going up my arm to my shoulder. so now if i don’t move my arm for a bit my shoulder, elbow, and wrist hurt. what did i do to my arm?

[Oliverlogan263]

Based on your description, it sounds like you may have strained or sprained your arm ligaments and tendons when you fell. Here are some possible injuries:

• Sprained elbow: This involves stretching or tearing of the ligaments around your elbow joint. It can cause pain in the elbow, upper arm and lower arm.

• Strained bicep or triceps: Pulling or overstretching the muscles in your upper arm can cause muscle strain, resulting in pain and tenderness in your arm and shoulder.

• Carpal tunnel syndrome: Falling on an outstretched hand can irritate the nerves in your wrist, causing pain that radiates up your arm. This is less likely if the pain started after a delay.

• Muscle contusion: A bruise to the muscle tissue in your arm can cause aching pain that worsens with movement. This tends to get more painful over the first few days.

The key indicators here are:

• Pain developing the day after your fall
• Pain that worsens with arm movement
• Pain that radiates from your elbow to your shoulder or wrist

Luckily these types of injuries typically heal on their own in a few weeks with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE technique). But if the pain persists or worsens, see a doctor for possible x-rays to rule out fractures, torn ligaments or other more serious injuries.

In the meantime:

• Rest your arm as much as possible
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, several times a day
• Compress the injured area with an elastic bandage
• Elevate your arm above your heart as much as you can
• Avoid heavy lifting or repetitive motions with that arm

Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

[Danny_dan92]

You probably have a bruised bone.




If the pain persists or gets worse in 1-2 weeks I’d recommend seeing a doctor and get an x ray on those locations

[petitedollbabee]

Maybe a sprain, or just some bruising. If you’re able to move it without excruciating pain, that rules out a break or fracture.


If the pain gets worse or your arm starts swelling, seek a doctor asap.

[Anonymous]

It is difficult to tell.ﾠtﾠ

[DrKrieger]

If it's a new pain for you, then you should probably get an Xray done to figure out if it's something serious. It could just be swelling though

[collie22]

How you doing after that fall? After reading what happened I felt worried about you.