Question
Hi, I would like to know if my symptoms sound like a pulled muscle to you or not.  On the 4th of July we went swimming(laps)there were those water weights there and I picked them up and was just messing with them well two days later my right arm is swollen in the armpit and I can barely move it and its been like that ever since it was swollen real bad in my armpit the first week and now week 3 its swollen all along my tricep to my elbow, I can feel like a ligament or a muscle that feels torn all the way from my index finger to my armpit so that's why I thought it was a torn muscle but its so severe and I just don't know what it is? Can you help?Thanks

Answer
Dear Katie,

Yes your initial presentation sounds like a significant muscle pull, but due to the prolonged recovery time and the amount of swelling you are experiencing, this could be more severe such as actual muscle tears or disruption of the joint capsule in the shoulder. With the symptoms you are describing, there may be an associated nerve injury as well and this should be followed up on.  The best thing you can do at this point is have it examined.  I would recommend an orthopedist who has specialized training in sports injury to check out the problem.

If a significant tear is expected, they will most likely order an MRI to look at the soft tissue for damage.  The imaging will provide a better diagnostic opinion of how serious the damage is, and then you and your doctor can decide on a course of action.  Many times when there is a large muscle tear they don't do anything except try to control the inflammation until enough repair has been completed by the body, then they will get you into physical therapy to regain function and strength as additional healing occurs.  If a nerve or joint injury is diagnosed, again a wait and see approach may be taken. Some cases will require surgical re-attachment or debridement, but this is not usually the case.

Schedule an appointment, and have it checked out.

Respectfully,
Dr. J. Shawn leatherman
www.suncoasthealthcare.net