We’ve all experienced it at some point—reaching out for something, lifting a bag, or simply typing away at our desk, only to be met with a sudden twinge or persistent ache in our arm. Arm pain can disrupt your daily routines, diminish your quality of life, and rob you of quality moments. But what if there was a place that understood your pain and offered innovative pain management solutions tailored just for you?
At Eastshore Healthcare, we believe in managing chronic pain and restoring the joy of movement. Learn how we can help relieve your arm pain quickly and effectively!
Call us to schedule a Free Consultation (717) 652-5550
Symptoms of Arm Pain
This pain can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for timely intervention and effective treatment. Here are some common symptoms associated with chronic arm pain:
- Localized pain: This can be felt in specific areas such as the wrist, elbow, or shoulder.
- Generalized pain: Pain can be experienced in one or both arms.
- Sudden onset: Some individuals might experience sudden arm pain, particularly in the right arm.
- Skin changes: Redness, discoloration, or swelling of the arm, wrist, or elbow can indicate underlying issues.
- Joint stiffness: Limited movement or joint stiffness can accompany arm pain.
- Warm or itchy skin: The skin on the arm might feel warm to the touch or even exhibit itching or throbbing sensations.
- Exacerbation with activity: Pain that worsens during physical activities or exercises can be a symptom.
- Numbness or tingling: These sensations can be indicative of nerve-related issues.
- Muscle pain: General muscle aches, tenderness, reduced range of motion, muscle cramps, or soreness in your arm can be a symptom.
- Other sensations: Some might experience numbness, tingling, or muscle cramps in the affected arm.
- Reduced range of motion
- Inflammation in the affected area of the joints or arm
- Swelling of lymph nodes under the affected arm
With so many symptoms and causes to consider, a health expert will ask questions on your family and health history and perform physical examinations. Other tests that help in the diagnosis include CT scan, MRI scan, X-rays, blood tests, and EMG/Nerve conduction.
If you are experiencing arm pain, Eastshore Healthcare may be your solution!
Call (717) 652-5550 to learn about our natural pain relief options!
Causes of Arm Pain
Here are the primary causes of arm pain:
Arm pain can manifest in various parts, from the upper to the lower arm and even radiating from the shoulder to the elbow. The causes of arm pain can be broadly categorized as overuse, trauma, and pain that originates from another location but is felt in the arm.
Overuse conditions
- Bursitis: This is the inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between tendons, muscles, and bones. It’s a common cause of shoulder and arm pain.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation surrounding a tendon, which is a cord of tissue connecting muscle to bone. Tendinitis in your arm may manifest in the shoulder.
- Rotator cuff injuries: This condition often results in an aching sensation on the outer side of your arm. The pain typically appears when you lift your arm overhead and can even disturb sleep if one rests in an awkward position.
- Tennis elbow: This occurs when tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated, causing pain primarily in the lower portion of the arm.
Traumatic conditions
- Broken bones: A recent fall or significant injury resulting in arm pain might indicate a fracture around the shoulder joint or the humerus.
- Dislocation: This occurs when joints, like the shoulder or elbow, get separated from their normal position, causing significant arm pain.
- Muscle contusion: A deep bruise, often resulting from sports injuries, can cause arm pain, swelling, and scar tissue build-up in the muscle.
Other sources of arm pain
Sometimes, the problem isn’t in the arm, but the pain is felt there. Such “radiating” or “referred” arm pain can be due to:
- Pinched nerve: A herniated disc in the neck can press on nerves, causing pain, tingling, and numbness in the arm.
- Thoracic outlet syndrome: This condition compresses blood vessels or nerves in the shoulder region, causing pain to radiate down the arm.
- Brachial injury: The brachial plexus is a network of nerves stretching from the spine to the hand. Pain develops if these nerves are injured or damaged.
Treatment for Arm Pain
The treatment you choose for arm pain is determined by the cause and severity of the pain.
Home remedies
- Heating and cooling pad: A heating pad can help reduce inflammation and relax the muscles for pain resulting from an injury or inflammation. If there’s swelling, consider using a cold pack for about thirty minutes. Ensure the heating pad is not too close to the skin to prevent burns.
- Compression: Applying pressure to the painful area using a compression device or an elastic bandage can reduce swelling and alleviate pain. However, it’s essential to ensure that the compression doesn’t impair circulation.
- Over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can provide relief. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication and follow the recommended dosage.
- Rest: It’s crucial to give your body time to heal. If the arm pain persists for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to seek professional help.
- Elevation: Keep the affected arm higher than your heart to reduce pain and swelling.
Note: If these remedies worsen the pain, stop the treatment and consult a health expert.
Medical treatments
- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can provide exercises and techniques to alleviate pain and prevent future injuries.
- Cortisone injections: These are powerful anti-inflammatory medications injected directly into the pain site. They can offer relief for several weeks.
- Surgery: In cases where other treatments fail, surgery might be necessary. This could be to repair rotator cuff tears, reduce shoulder inflammation, or mend broken bones.
Is arm pain a sign of a heart problem?
Most arm pain is an inconvenience rather than an emergency. However, you should take quick action if your arm pain is accompanied by discomfort, pressure, or squeezing in the chest. Left arm pain is a symptom of a heart attack (in men more than women).
You may also experience arm pain without chest pain; this may seem strange as the arm muscle is not being damaged. Because the nerves stemming from the heart and the arm send the same signal to the brain cells, the brain can become confused about the source of the pain. This phenomenon is called referred pain.
When to seek our help if you have pain in your arms?
If you are feeling a sharp pain in your left arm, accompanied by breathing difficulty, call 9-1-1. In other cases, you can seek our help for the following situations:
- If you feel pain in your arm during or following exercise or exertion, and this pain goes away when you rest
- If you experience sudden severe pain caused by an injury, especially if you heard a cracking or snapping sound at the time
- If your arm pain continues for a week or so and doesn’t seem to be getting any better
- If you notice unusual swelling
Contact Eastshore Healthcare
While seemingly straightforward, arm pain can be complex, with many causes and treatments. From overuse to trauma and even conditions that manifest pain in the arm but originate elsewhere, understanding the root of the discomfort is paramount.
Fortunately, advancements in medical technology and treatments have provided us with innovative solutions. At Eastshore Healthcare, we pride ourselves on offering state-of-the-art treatments, including our advanced ultrasound-guided needle injections. These injections address localized soft tissue and joint restrictions in the arm, ensuring that the surrounding muscle functions optimally.
If you’ve been battling chronic pain in your arm, seek a solution that offers effective and long-lasting relief – East Shore Healthcare. For residents in Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading, and nearby areas, your path to a pain-free life is just a call away.
Contact Eastshore Healthcare at (717) 652-5550 to schedule a complimentary consultation and take the first step towards reclaiming your comfort and mobility.