My husband was elbowed in the chest while playing basketball. About an hour later that area started to hurt and looked swollen and slightly bruised. He had trouble breathing because of the pain. It has been 12 days since that happened, and it is somewhat improved, but not gone. He has a physically demanding job, which is probably not helping it heal. He would like to know if it is necessary to go to the doctor.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your husbands situation and problem. Your husband is having blunt chest trauma due to elbow hit. In my opinion he should get done chest x-ray first to rule out rib fracture, pneumothorax and Pulmonary contusions. All these are complications of blunt chest trauma and cause chest pain with breathing difficulty. If chest x-ray is normal then no need to worry about these. He is mostly having musculoskeletal pain. Ask him to follow these steps for better symptomatic relief. 1. Avoid heavyweight lifting and strenuous exercise. 2. Avoid bad postures in sleep and painful movements. 3. Start painkiller and muscle relaxant. 4. Apply warm water pad on affected site. Don't worry, he will be alright in 1-2 weeks.