Published on: 6/18/2025
What could cause my forearm to be swollen and painful?
Swelling and pain in the forearm can result from injury, infection, inflammation, or circulation problems and should be evaluated if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Explanation
Possible causes of a swollen and painful forearm include:
Injury or trauma: Sprains, strains, fractures, or overuse injuries can cause swelling and pain. Infections: Skin infections such as cellulitis or abscesses may cause redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. Tendonitis or tenosynovitis: Inflammation of tendons can cause pain and swelling. Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis): A clot in the veins of the forearm can cause sudden swelling and pain. Lymphedema: Fluid buildup from lymphatic blockage can cause swelling and discomfort. Compartment syndrome: A rare but serious condition where pressure builds in muscle compartments, causing severe pain and swelling.
If swelling and pain are sudden, worsening, or accompanied by numbness, weakness, fever, or severe tenderness, seek medical care promptly.
(References)
- Dalton DM, Munigangaiah S, Subramaniam T, & McCabe JP. (2014). Acute bilateral spontaneous forearm compartment syndrome. Hand surgery : an international journal devoted to hand and upper limb surgery and related research : journal of the Asia-Pacific Federation of Societies for Surgery of the Hand, 24641749.
- Ciocon JO, & Galindo-Ciocon D. (1998). Arm edema, subclavian thrombosis, and pacemakers. Angiology, 9555935.
- Barendse-Hofmann MG, Steenvoorde P, van Doorn L, & Zeillemaker A. (2009). Compartment Syndrome of the Arm After Cable .... European journal of trauma and emergency surgery : official publication of the European Trauma Society, 26814537.
Tell your friends about us.
We would love to help them too.
For First Time Users
What is Ubie’s Doctor’s Note?
We provide a database of explanations from real doctors on a range of medical topics. Get started by exploring our library of questions and topics you want to learn more about.
Learn more about symptoms
Was this page helpful?
Purpose and positioning of servicesUbie Doctor's Note is a service for informational purposes. The provision of information by physicians, medical professionals, etc. is not a medical treatment. If medical treatment is required, please consult your doctor or medical institution. We strive to provide reliable and accurate information, but we do not guarantee the completeness of the content. If you find any errors in the information, please contact us.