Published on: 6/18/2025
What are the common causes of swelling in the forearm?
Swelling in the forearm can commonly be caused by injury, infection, fluid buildup, circulation issues, or inflammatory conditions.
Explanation
Forearm swelling may result from several common causes, including:
Injury or trauma: Sprains, strains, fractures, or repetitive use injuries can cause swelling. Infections: Skin infections like cellulitis or abscesses can cause redness, warmth, and swelling. Lymphedema: Blockage of lymph vessels leading to fluid accumulation. Venous insufficiency or blood clots: Poor blood flow or clots can cause swelling and discomfort. Inflammatory conditions: Arthritis or tendon inflammation (tendonitis) may cause swelling around joints or tendons. Allergic reactions: Swelling from bites, stings, or allergen exposure.
If swelling is sudden, severe, painful, or associated with other symptoms like fever or numbness, medical evaluation is important.
(References)
- Ciocon JO, & Galindo-Ciocon D. (1998). Arm edema, subclavian thrombosis, and pacemakers. Angiology, 9555935.
- Gulati D, & Agarwal A. (2010). Wooden foreign body in the forearm--presentation after .... Ulusal travma ve acil cerrahi dergisi = Turkish journal of trauma & emergency surgery : TJTES, 20849059.
- Taira N, Mano M, Asano H, Takashima S, Nishi H, Fukuda K, & Komatsubara S. (2001). Primary subclavian venous thrombosis which developed .... Surgery today, 11321344.
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