What could cause elbow swelling?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.

I do understand your concern.

According to the picture (attachments removed for patient’s identity protection) and history provided, it seems to be a septic arthritis case or an abscess in skin tissue. Answer the following questions:

1. Are you suffering from a fever history?

2. Any history of insect bites?

Mostly it will be a bacterial infection of skin tissue, but joints might also be involved if the movement of joints is restricted.Your workup is done as follows:

1. Total count of blood (CBC)

2. X-ray of elbow joint.

3. Blood culture only if needed.

4. Joint aspiration only if needed.

You can be given a short-term steroid course and antibiotic course for this condition

If the abscess is large enough then an incision and drainage procedure might be needed

Consult a nearby orthopedic surgeon or general surgeon for examination and further management.For pain analgesics such as buprofen or Paracetamol, like any anti-inflammatory drug, can be taken

Thank you for reaching out to me at icliniq.com.

I hope I was able to help you.

Wishing you a better health.