SUDDEN SWELLING

[TDEW]

MY BOSS CAME TO WORK LAST FRIDAY WITH HIS LEFT ELBOW SWOLLEN AND THE BALL OF HIS ELBOW WAS A VERY DARK BRUISE ALMOST BLACK.  BY THE END OF THE DAY HIS ARM WAS SWOLLEN ABOUT 2-3 INCHES ABOVE AND BELOW ELBOW AND HIS SHIRT WAS TIGHT.  HE WENT TO A CLINIC AND WAS TOLD HE HAS BURSITIS.  THEY DRAINED FLUID FROM THE ELBOW AND SAID THEY WOULD CALL HIM WITH RESULTS.  HE WENT THE WEEKEND AND CAME IN MONDAY, HIS ARM IS NOW SWOLLEN DOWN TO WRIST AND VERY DARK PURPLE BRUISING ALL OVER.  HE WENT BACK TO THE DOCTOR, THEY DID NOTHING AND WAS NOT SURE IF THIS WAS NORMAL BUT SAID THEY WOULD CALL HIM WHEN THEY GOT THE RESULT FROM THE PREVIOUS TEST. ANYONE HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT THIS MAY BE?

[star queen]

If the "boss" has a problem with clotting, or is on blood thinners and bumped his elbow, it would cause the symptoms you describe.  If he doesn't have bleeding problems and isn't on blood thinners, there is a good chance he fractured his elbow or one of the bones near it. "Boss" needs to get an xray.  Bursitis will only create such swelling if the "Boss" is on blood thinners or has a blood disorder.  Swelling and bruising generally indicates a fracture, but also indicates blood leaking into the tissue.  I would suggest he skips the doc and goes to the ER and get the arm checked out ASAP.  Good luck

[Demiguise]

If he/she didn't crack elbow on any door/wall creating injury
then it sounds like a form of bursitis. I have a feeling Star on
this forum is more familiar w/ bursa & may read this. From my
personal experience, I sltly banged forearm near elbow getting
up w/ no biggy happening. Next day swelling on forearm started
then traveled to few inches above wrist along w/ elbow. Did not
go up higher. Mine changed to bruising days later & I think it
damaged the tendon. He was treated correctly. I'd have him call
daily or they will take time w/ results. Should be able to get faxed results by Weds. This doesn't sound like typical bursitis.
If wacked hard, severe bruising/swell/pain could damage muscle
tissue & elbow fluid to leak. The fluid is being tested for any
infection/trace blood. Tell to get some papercups & freeze w/
water. Grab off/on & peel dwn paper, use as holder to run over
arm for swell & refreeze. At hm. can try frozen bag of peas as
ice-pak. If just woke up w/ this, they should be doing a rush
on test. Could be infection or gout. Uric Acid is in fluid. Most
only think it happens to foot. For now, absoluely no alcohol &
let doc know w/ a fol/up call of appearance. You're such a
nice employee!