Do I have another broken bone?

[Br0kenB0ne]

Sorry, this is a long one, but I want to give all the relevant information. I was diagnosed with a broken bone in my elbow a few days ago. It’s in a cuff and sling, a bit sore, but just about manageable. I can’t take pain relief for it, so just getting on with it.

This is the issue. Yesterday morning, as I was getting out of bed, there was a strange popping sensation in my upper arm, bicep side and a peculiar grinding sensation. Since it’s happened I’ve noticed a big increase in pain radiating from that area, but only when I do certain accidental movements, shrugging shoulder to put my coat over it, etc. It’s actually more painful than the elbow! The thing is, although it’s only at certain times, when it happens it’s extremely painful. It has made a couple or weird popping, grinding sensations since yesterday.

My pharmacist said I need to be seen again, as it sounds like there is some sort of movement under there, but the receptionist at the doctor has pointed out that the doctor can’t see under my skin, so wouldn’t be able to advise me.

I don’t want to waste the health services’ time, but should I go back to A&E, like the receptionist suggested, or is it more likely to be a damaged ligament? It was a fall from about 2 1/2 feet, straight onto the forearm. If it helps, I had a nasty pull on the arm a few weeks before when a dog yanked on it and recovering from that, when I fell. The physio is going to be working on the damaged muscles, after the break heals. Yes, I’m a walking disaster.

Y can't you take pain relief?

Soft tissue injuries can hurt a lot more than bones, and make lots of noise. Nobody can diagnose you over internet, it's your decision how uncomfortable you are & to see if they can figure out something else to help. Sorry, not much help, but that's how I'd decide: "is this ok to live with or bothering me too much."

Thank you, lljkk. I’m allergic to Codeine and ibuprofen causes me bleeding. That, according to the doctor, leaves me paracetamol. It really doesn’t do anything. The soft tissue injury makes sense, after my previous injury and then this fall. I’m going see how I get through tonight and see if there are any more pops and grinding. My child has SN and I’m by myself, hence the reluctance to go to hospital. But thank you for responding. Sometimes I just need a sounding board.

Your GP can refer you for an xray.

Do you have a walk-in centre?

is aspirin out, too? There are other prescription painkillers you didn't list.

agree that an x-ray could be very effective to rule anything out or in (but it might not be adequate, either). I could imagine waiting a few more days before pursuing more medical advice ... on logic that I was collecting data about the condition; they might need to xray from a different angle to see another break that wasn't apparent when they x-rayed you the first time, so being better able to explain the problem might help.