| name: | Blocker's Arm |
| also known as: | Blocker's Exostosis; Arm Exostosis |
| also see: | Arm Contusion; Ankle Spur |
| description: | Exostosis is a build up of bone, usually at a site of repeated injury. Blocker's arm or arm exostosis is a build up of bone, usually in the upper arm above the elbow on it's back side. Causes include repeated blows to the upper arm area, such as in contact sports like football or karate, taek won do. Risk is increased with contact sports, repeated injury, osteoporosis, vitamin and mineral deficiency, history of osteomyelitis, poor conditioning. |
| signs & symptoms: | Includes arm pain, elbow pain, tenderness, pain with a trigger point. |
| diagnosis: | Based on signs, symptoms, history and exam, as well as an x-ray which will delineate the exostosis. |
| treatment: | Often resolves with rest, arm sling, heat, as well as medication for pain and swelling and occasionally injection with cortisone steroids. On rare occasion, surgery to remove the exostosis is necessary if other measures fail. |
| prevention: | Avoid harm's way, wear protective gear. |
| outcome: | Usually resolves in several weeks with treatment. Surgery often cures the problem although recurrence can happen. Unchecked, arm exostosis can result in slow healing, permanent disability, tendonitis, and elbow arthritis. |
skynetMD suggests the following:
| if: | If the person has sustained repeated injuries to back of the upper arm, and develops pain, tenderness, trigger point pain, or even a hard lump that can be felt under the skin, or, if the person develops signs of infection, such as fever, chills, muscle aches and pains, ill feeling |
| go to: | Go to the doctor. |
| if: | If the person has Blocker's arm and is under the care of a doctor, they should also rest the arm for several weeks, wear a sling, apply heat, and |
| go to: | Go to the pharmacy for a heating pad, arm sling, and acetaminophen, aspirin (if older than 19 years), ibuprofen or naproxen, as well as multivitamins. |
Last updated December 1, 2001