Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 7/21/2009

Question
Hi, I am 16 and about 6 weeks ago i fell onto a outstretched hand and hurt my wrist however that has healed but since starting to move it again i have noticed a clicking near my elbow, when i twist my lower arm rather that bend it. I have had x-rays and they don't show anything, i have also gone to a physio but they don't know what to do about it. I don't know whether this is your area but if you could please try to answer my question it would be greatly helpful. Just to add that the clicking doesn't hurt but if i continue to do it a lot then the pan comes in also when you press on the area it is also quite sore. I don't mind if you aren't sure but i need something to go on with and who do you think i should see if i need to see someone? What could it be? How serious could it be? Thanks

Answer
Hi Harriet,

The clicking could be a piece of loose tissue at the joint itself.
Its not structural for instance a fracture unless you have severe pain when you move your palms facing up or down.

it could be a bursa sac that is inflammed as well. Unless someone did an MRI and then that may not be all inclusive, then its hard to say.

I would suspect if physiotherapy over there did not seem to shook up about it and, if it is not interfering with your activites of daily living then they may feel it will subside in time.

The fact that when you press on it it hurts leads me to believe its soft tissue inflammation inside the joint.
I would ice it and try some anti inflammatories if you can take them depending on your doctors orders and see what that will for you.

let me know in the future how you make out with it.

Sincerely
Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida. USA