Unexplained forearm swelling

[tony_mossuk]

Hi,

I have very recently (within the last three weeks) joined my local gym, and last week began doing some weight training. I am in fairly good shape for someone who has never done any serious exercise before, and joined the gym to increase my fitness levels and 'bulk up' a bit. I'm not overweight, and after my first training session instructor said that my cardio fitness levels are not bad for a 'desk jockey' like myself. That's the lifestyle bit out of the way.

Now, two days ago (that's about 5 days after beginning on weights- I'm doing 6kg dumbbells and a couple of weight machines) I noticed that my left forearm was quite swollen- not painful, but noticeably swollen. The swelling extended down from the elbow joint (though not very swollen around the joint itself) round the outside of my forearm to the base of my wrist. My wife, a student nurse, assures me that the swelling is fluid as pressing it leaves a temporary indentation in the skin. There is no inflammation, no change in sensation, no discolouration or abnormality of any kind- I just have a swollen forearm! I have now seen two medics, one a nurse in a minor injuries unit who immediately sent me to see a doctor at our local A&E saying that she was unable to give an accurate diagnosis. The doctor asked me to do various movements, pushed and pulled my arm about, and concluded that I'm absolutely fine and should go straight back to the gym, without delay! He said that the 6kg dumbbell weights I've started on are fine for my build, and said that the swelling is actually my muscle growing. I've not gone mad at all on the weights- I want to build up a bit, but I'm not suited to a muscle man lifestyle, and have no intentions of pursuing one!

I'm not convinced that absolutely nothing is wrong- and the swelling is definitely not muscle as it has moved slightly and leaves a definite indentation when pressed down. Frankly I'm not even sure if I should be worried- in the absence of any pain, or restriction in my mobility, should I just accept that my arm is going to be fat? Has anyone ever heard of something like this before? My gym trainer hasn't!

Hope someone can help!

Tony

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Thanks for writing to the forum!
Overuse of the muscles and tendons can cause swelling with fluid accumulation. Maybe the weight you started with is right for your build, but each person varies. I would ask you to ask your trainer to teach you some arm and finger-palm exercises that will help build up strength. Do these exercises without weight. Then slowly increase the weight once the swelling comes down.
The other possibility is that either it is a lymphedema or a result of deep vein dysfunction. A vascular specialist can diagnose that for you.
It is difficult to comment beyond this at this stage. Please let me know if there is any thing else and do keep me posted. Take care!

[SheriL911]

Look-up Chronic Compartment Syndrome in the forearm and see if this applies to you.  From what I looked up though it usually involves pain.  It also says it usually occurs in athletes after repetitive work-outs.  Also, the MD needs to examine you while you are exercising to proper evaluate it.  Hope this helps.