dmanthree

Took a spill over two weeks ago, and the shoulder bruise is just taking forever to heal. How can I tell if there damage beyond the bruise? Bone bruise? I have full range of motion so nothing was broken or dislocated. Is this the norm for age 64+?

rumrunn6

I'm just 4 years behind you. I think a bike fall w shoulder injury that lingers for more than two weeks warrants a doctor visit, maybe an x-ray & if after several weeks the thing persists, an MRI. but I'm just guessing

Clyde1820

Shoulder Pain / Symptom Checker @ The Mayo Clinic

The above link might help narrow things down, a bit, based on the symptoms you're experiencing.

If you've got swelling or serious discoloration or very limited range of motion, particularly if things don't improve in a few days, I'd certainly suggest speaking with your doctor to get a better evaluation.

Shoulders can be ugly little things, with what seems to be relatively mild injuries. Complicated connections, in there, and it's appalling how a seemingly little bit of swelling or bruising or muscle damage can often turn into something much worse. (All things considered, I'd much rather have a "charlie horse" or pulled hamstring.)

OldTryGuy

Until a professional checks things out, everything is simply A GUESS !!! With aging comes longer period of time for healing and the possibility for more severe injury.

dmanthree

I got checked today at the clinic, and the doc said he didn't see any real damage other than a deep bone bruise. BUT; he said if it doesn't improve in a week to come back for a scan.

It is improving, but really slowly. Oh, well. I think I'll stay off the deck for the rest of the season.

OldTryGuy

Good move. Might I suggest that you attempt to "stay off the deck" for longer than "the rest of the season" and try to make it a life long endeavor.

dmanthree

Yeah, just an expression...

This was my first crash since I was about 10 years old, so now that I've gotten it out of my system, I figure I'm good for another 50 years. Give or take.

Now, where was I? Oh, yeah, getting ready for this summer's PMC.

Lemond1985

I think we all need practice crashing and falling down occasionally, to stay in practice and prove we can still take a fall without getting hurt. Falls cripple a lot elderly people, and I suspect that many of these people had not fallen for a long time and were out of practice. Just look at Dick Van ****, he used to fall every week on his show, and he's still dancing in his 90's.

____________________________________

Edit: Unnecessary Censorship Strikes Again!

Longfellow02

An orthopedic guy coupled with an x-ray will remove any doubt or questions, if it isn't better in a week or 2.

Shoulders are tricky...I've been dealing with rotator cuff sensitivity/woes since shortly after I broke my collarbone last summer.
In my case, I think I over did the P.T. after the collarbone surgery, and possibly tore or strained something.

Best of luck with it....Use the other arm for 12 ounce curls....

canklecat

See a doctor and get a proper exam. The shoulder is commonly injured in bike falls and crashes. Often it's worse than we realized at first.

Almost a year ago to the day I was struck but a car while I was riding my bike. Not very fast, maybe 10 mph. Broke a bone in my shoulder, grade 4 separation, reinjured an old neck and back injury from years ago.

I'm still in physical therapy. Just had a session this morning. And will have more indefinitely.

At 61 I don't bounce anymore. And recovery takes much longer than I'd expected.

Fortunate my VA health care covered diagnostics, PT, etc, and we're hoping to avoid surgery.

But if I had skipped the ER visit to check the injuries not only would I have underestimated the damage, but I wouldn't have known I also had thyroid cancer. They pounced on that quickly and we're hoping surgery got it all.