DefinitionThis is the same as a regular contusion the only difference is that it occurs close to the elbow over the Radial nerve. You still have the cause from a blow and the same same breaking of blood vessels which results in bleeding into the surrounding tissues.
Parts Involved- surrounding tissues such as muscles, blood vessels, nerves, connective tissues and the periosteum
Signs & Symptoms- superficial or deep swelling and inflammation
- pain & tenderness at the elbow
- numbness or tingling that radiates from the elbow into the hand, wrist and fingers
- loss of strength and movement in the wrist, thumb and fingers
- the common discoloration under the skin that is common with a contusion
CausesAs with the majority of contusions it is a result from a blow or in the case with a contusion over the radial nerve it can also be caused by a fall in which the person fell onto their elbow resulting in the contusion over the radial nerve.
Risks- medical condition that inhibits the clotting of the blood
- anticoagulants that slow of inhibit the ability of the blood to clot
PreventionWearing the proper protective equipment for your given sport or activity is the best way to prevent a contusion, and in the case of an arm contusion over the radial nerve the best way to prevent this is to protect the elbow and surrounding tissue.
TreatmentThe best treatment for an arm contusion over the radial nerve is ice shortly after the injury happens. Once the contusion passes from the acute phase into the subacute you could do gentle superficial massage to help eliminate the old blood and fluid from the elbow and radial nerve. The best treatment for an arm contusion over the radial nerve is rest and avoiding further injury to the area, but if you get any of the signs & symptoms that consist of numbness or loss of strength then you should seek medical help as the swelling and inflammation is more then likely putting pressure on the radial nerve cause the nerve signals to not make it to the wrist, hand and fingers properly.
