Swelling in right forearm

[Chi_Mad]

Hello, I am a 77 year old African American woman, and I am very new to this site. However, i was recently told by a friend that I may not have the best bones because he noticed my shaky balance when I stood up from by living room chair. I fell the other week, and I thought I was okay, but now i noticed my right forarm is swollen. Should I let this heal or go through the process of finding out if i have osteoporosis?

It was not a bad fall, and I am wondering if this sort of swelling is normal? How expensive is treatment for osteoporosis? Thanks!

[Met00]

Hello Chi_Mad. I don't think your symptoms indicate osteoporosis, although of course that doesn't mean you haven't got it. I think shakiness when standing up would be due to weak muscles, and your arm swelling is likely to be an injury but you'd have known from the pain if you'd broken it. You should definitely see your doctor though, especially about your swollen arm.

[Chi_Mad in reply to Met00]

Met00

Thank you so much for your reply and suggestion! I have been facing on and off pain, but the swelling has seemed to recede. I will check with my doctor about possible muscle weakness, but I always considered an able bodied older woman.

[1353513636 in reply to Chi_Mad]

If you have weak muscles and a propensity to accidentally fall and injure your limbs you may wish to consider osteoporosis preventative medications. They are available for about $40-$60 a month and can help prevent fractures in the hip, spine, and other bones that are involved in osteoporosis. You should consult your physician to discuss the best options for your individual health concerns.

[Bettyboop7499]

Hello Chi_Mad, osteoporosis often has no symptoms. The only way to know is a bone scan, it is painless, you lay on a table for a few seconds and it scans your bones to compare your bones density with others of your age and gender. I surely wouldn't be taking anything unless you know for sure.

Please see a doctor for your arm! Though if it has been weeks there may be nothing they can do if you did break it. You can have hairline fractures with little pain, swelling and or bruising is a tell-tell sign.