My arm got trapped in a door. What should I do?

Question

Hi doctor,

I got my arm trapped between a metal pole and an electrically controlled door. The blood flow was cut off for around 30 seconds to a minute. My arm is quite painful and swollen. It has some blood spots and my wrist hurts when I bend my hand and fingers. Do I need to see a doctor? Is it sprained? What should I do?

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Having blood spots over the skin is a sign of a hematoma (blood collection), which could be the cause of soft tissue injury in that area. You need to see a doctor if you observe any of the following. Watch for the color of your arm and the injured area. If it is turning blue, then that is contusion. If the pain does not get better in two days. Difficulty moving your elbow, wrist, or finger with painful movement. Tingling and numbness of your forearm and hand. At home, use ice packs and do not use hot packs. Give complete rest of your arm, forearm, and wrist at least for a week. Better, if you can use a splint, or elbow splint. Also, I suggest painkillers if you have severe pain.

Thank you.