Definition
The swollen arms are generally the consequence of an inflammatory process, or of a lymphatic or venous stasis.
The swelling of phlogistic origin is circumscribed; in this case, the edema in the arms is not very elastic and is often associated with other signs of inflammation, such as redness, heat and pain spontaneous or evoked by palpation. At the base this reaction can be found superficial or deep infections, insect bites or animal bites, traumas (contusion or fracture), burns and freezing. Inflammatory edema in the arms can also be the consequence of post-operative outcomes (eg after mastectomy with removal of the lymph nodes in case of breast tumors).
Swollen arms can also result from an allergic reaction; in this case, in addition to edema, it is associated with itching, local redness and burning due to the massive release of histamine and vasoactive substances.
When the swollen arms are a symptom of blood or lymphatic circulation problems, on the other hand, there is a concomitant feeling of heaviness and the skin can be hot, red and sore under pressure.
Swelling in the arms of lymphatic or venous stasis can be associated, in particular, with lymphangitis (inflammation of the lymphatic vessels), lymphedema (accumulation of fluids at the interstitial level), phlebitis (inflammation of one or more veins) and deep vein thrombosis (formation of a blood clot in one or more veins located in depth).
Sometimes, swollen arms can be a symptom of heart failure, vasculitis, kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, polymyositis and dermatomyositis.
In the photo, a clearly swollen female arm
Possible Causes * of Swollen Arms
- Contact allergy
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Infectious Cellulite
- Freezing
- Erysipelas
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Scleroderma
- Thoracic outlet syndrome
- thrombophlebitis
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Burns
