GERD Arm Pain: Unusual Symptoms and Health Complications Explained
Can GERD cause arm pain. What are the atypical symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease. How does excess weight affect GERD. What dietary changes can reduce GERD symptoms. Is there a link between anxiety and acid reflux.
Understanding GERD: Beyond Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. While most associate GERD with heartburn and acid reflux, its symptoms can be far more diverse and complex. This article delves into the lesser-known aspects of GERD, including unusual symptoms like arm pain, and explores various health complications that can arise from this condition.
What is GERD?
GERD occurs when stomach contents regularly flow back (reflux) into the esophagus. This backwash can irritate the lining of the esophagus, leading to various symptoms and potential complications if left untreated.
Atypical Symptoms of GERD: When It’s Not Just Heartburn
While heartburn is the most common complaint associated with GERD, many patients experience atypical symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other conditions. These symptoms include:
- Chest pain mimicking a heart attack
- Sore throat
- Hoarseness
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Nausea
- Difficulty swallowing
Can GERD cause arm pain? While arm pain is not a typical symptom of GERD, it can occur in rare cases. The mechanism behind this unusual symptom involves the inflammation of the diaphragm and its connection to the phrenic nerve, which can affect regions served by spinal nerves, including the arms and shoulders.
The GERD-Arm Pain Connection: Unraveling the Mystery
To understand how GERD might lead to arm pain, it’s essential to consider the following factors:
- Esophageal inflammation
- Potential involvement of the trachea and lungs
- Diaphragm inflammation
- Phrenic nerve stimulation
How does GERD potentially cause arm pain? In some cases, stomach contents may enter the trachea and reach the lungs, causing inflammation. This can lead to diaphragm irritation, which may affect the phrenic nerve. Since this nerve originates near the cervical spine, it can influence areas served by spinal nerves, including the arms and shoulders.
GERD in Children: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Treatment
GERD doesn’t only affect adults; children can also suffer from this condition. Recognizing the symptoms in younger patients can be challenging, as they may present differently than in adults.
Common GERD Symptoms in Children
- Nausea
- Heartburn
- Regurgitation
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Recurrent vomiting
What should parents do if they suspect their child has GERD? If a child experiences persistent symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, or abdominal pain, it’s crucial to consult a pediatrician. In some cases, referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist may be necessary for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The Impact of Body Weight on GERD: A Weighty Issue
Research has shown a strong correlation between excess body weight and the onset or exacerbation of GERD symptoms. Understanding this connection can help patients manage their condition more effectively.
How Excess Weight Affects GERD
Excess body weight can contribute to GERD in several ways:
- Increased abdominal pressure
- Changes in esophageal motility
- Alterations in the gastroesophageal junction
- Hormonal influences
Can weight loss improve GERD symptoms? Studies have shown that losing excess weight can significantly reduce GERD symptoms and improve overall quality of life for patients. Even modest weight loss can lead to noticeable improvements in symptom severity and frequency.
Dietary Modifications: A Key Strategy in GERD Management
Diet plays a crucial role in managing GERD symptoms. Making informed choices about what and how to eat can significantly reduce heartburn, regurgitation, and other GERD-related discomfort.
GERD-Friendly Dietary Tips
- Avoid trigger foods (e.g., spicy, fatty, or acidic foods)
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid lying down immediately after eating
- Limit alcohol and caffeine consumption
- Incorporate more fiber-rich foods
- Stay hydrated with water
Which dietary changes are most effective for reducing GERD symptoms? While individual responses may vary, many patients find relief by avoiding common trigger foods, eating smaller portions, and maintaining an upright position after meals. Keeping a food diary can help identify personal triggers and guide dietary modifications.
The Anxiety-Acid Reflux Connection: Mind-Body Interplay
Emerging research suggests a bidirectional relationship between anxiety and acid reflux. Understanding this connection can help patients and healthcare providers develop more comprehensive treatment strategies.
How Anxiety Affects GERD
- Increased stomach acid production
- Heightened sensitivity to esophageal sensations
- Changes in esophageal motility
- Alterations in pain perception
Does treating anxiety help alleviate GERD symptoms? While more research is needed, some studies suggest that addressing underlying anxiety through therapy or medication may help reduce the frequency and severity of GERD symptoms in some patients.
Diagnosis and Treatment: Navigating the Path to Relief
Proper diagnosis and treatment of GERD are essential for managing symptoms and preventing complications. Healthcare providers use various tools and approaches to identify and address this condition.
Diagnostic Tools for GERD
- Endoscopy
- pH monitoring
- Esophageal manometry
- Barium swallow
- Impedance testing
What are the most effective treatments for GERD? Treatment options vary depending on the severity of symptoms and individual patient factors. Common approaches include lifestyle modifications, over-the-counter antacids, prescription medications (such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 blockers), and in some cases, surgical interventions like fundoplication.
GERD Complications: When Reflux Becomes Serious
While GERD is often manageable with appropriate treatment, long-term, untreated reflux can lead to serious complications. Understanding these potential risks underscores the importance of proper diagnosis and management.
Potential Complications of Untreated GERD
- Esophagitis
- Barrett’s esophagus
- Esophageal strictures
- Respiratory problems
- Dental erosion
- Increased risk of esophageal cancer
How can patients prevent GERD complications? Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider, adherence to prescribed treatments, and lifestyle modifications are key to preventing long-term complications of GERD. Patients should report any persistent or worsening symptoms promptly to their doctor.
Living with GERD: Strategies for Long-Term Management
Managing GERD is often a long-term endeavor that requires a multifaceted approach. Patients can employ various strategies to minimize symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Tips for GERD Management
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Elevate the head of the bed
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Practice stress-reduction techniques
- Quit smoking
- Time meals appropriately
- Stay upright after eating
What lifestyle changes have the most significant impact on GERD symptoms? While individual responses vary, many patients find that maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding trigger foods, and elevating the head of the bed can significantly reduce GERD symptoms. Consistency in applying these changes is key to long-term success.
GERD and Sleep: Breaking the Cycle of Nighttime Reflux
Nighttime GERD can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased quality of life. Understanding the relationship between GERD and sleep can help patients develop effective strategies for managing nighttime symptoms.
Strategies for Managing Nighttime GERD
- Avoid eating close to bedtime
- Use a wedge pillow or elevate the head of the bed
- Sleep on your left side
- Wear loose-fitting pajamas
- Consider taking medication before bed (as advised by a healthcare provider)
How does sleeping position affect GERD symptoms? Sleeping on the left side can help reduce nighttime reflux by positioning the stomach below the esophagus, making it more difficult for stomach contents to flow back into the esophagus.
GERD in Pregnancy: Managing Reflux for Two
Pregnancy often exacerbates GERD symptoms due to hormonal changes and increased abdominal pressure. Managing GERD during pregnancy requires special considerations to ensure the safety of both mother and baby.
Safe GERD Management During Pregnancy
- Eat small, frequent meals
- Avoid trigger foods
- Stay upright after eating
- Wear loose-fitting clothing
- Sleep with the head elevated
- Consult with a healthcare provider about safe medication options
Are GERD medications safe during pregnancy? While some over-the-counter antacids are generally considered safe, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any medication during pregnancy. They can provide guidance on the safest options based on individual circumstances and stage of pregnancy.
The Role of Probiotics in GERD Management: Balancing Gut Health
Emerging research suggests that probiotics may play a role in managing GERD symptoms by promoting a healthy balance of gut bacteria. While more studies are needed, some patients report improvements in reflux symptoms with probiotic supplementation.
Potential Benefits of Probiotics for GERD
- Improved digestion
- Reduced inflammation
- Enhanced gut barrier function
- Modulation of the gut-brain axis
How do probiotics potentially help with GERD symptoms? Probiotics may help by improving overall gut health, reducing inflammation, and enhancing digestive function. This could lead to decreased pressure on the lower esophageal sphincter and improved motility, potentially reducing reflux episodes.
GERD and Asthma: Unraveling the Complex Relationship
There is a well-established link between GERD and asthma, with each condition potentially exacerbating the other. Understanding this relationship can help patients and healthcare providers develop more effective management strategies for both conditions.
How GERD Can Affect Asthma
- Micro-aspiration of stomach contents
- Vagal nerve stimulation
- Increased bronchial reactivity
- Shared risk factors
Can treating GERD improve asthma symptoms? In some cases, effectively managing GERD can lead to improvements in asthma symptoms. This is particularly true for patients whose asthma is exacerbated by reflux. However, the relationship is complex, and treatment should be tailored to each individual’s specific situation.
Alternative and Complementary Therapies for GERD: Expanding Treatment Options
While conventional medical treatments remain the cornerstone of GERD management, some patients find relief through alternative and complementary therapies. These approaches may be used in conjunction with traditional treatments to provide a more holistic management strategy.
Alternative Therapies for GERD
- Acupuncture
- Herbal remedies (e.g., licorice root, chamomile)
- Melatonin supplementation
- Relaxation techniques (e.g., meditation, yoga)
- Chiropractic care
Are alternative therapies effective for managing GERD? While some patients report benefits from alternative therapies, scientific evidence supporting their efficacy is often limited. It’s essential to discuss any alternative treatments with a healthcare provider to ensure they are safe and do not interfere with conventional treatments.
The Future of GERD Treatment: Emerging Technologies and Therapies
As our understanding of GERD continues to evolve, new treatment approaches and technologies are being developed to provide more effective and less invasive options for patients.
Promising Developments in GERD Treatment
- Magnetic sphincter augmentation devices
- Radiofrequency ablation techniques
- Endoscopic plication procedures
- Personalized medicine approaches
- Novel pharmaceutical formulations
How might these emerging treatments change GERD management in the future? These new approaches aim to provide more targeted and less invasive options for GERD treatment, potentially offering relief to patients who have not responded well to traditional therapies. As research progresses, these treatments may become more widely available and could significantly impact the landscape of GERD management.
Health Complications from GERD | Everyday Health
Q1. Would you get arm pain with an attack of GERD?
— Mary, Michigan
Arm pain is not a common symptom of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), although it can occur in rare cases. In general, GERD involves the reflux of stomach contents into the esophagus. While many patients have no symptoms, heartburn is the most common complaint. However, other patients have more atypical symptoms such as chest pain, which can mimic heart attack; and sore throat, hoarseness, or a bad taste should stomach contents reach the mouth.
GERD causes inflammation within the esophagus and does not directly irritate the diaphragm or the phrenic nerve that innervates (stimulates) it. Paraesophageal hernias, where part of the stomach is squeezed up into the chest beside the esophagus, may potentially lead to pain.) In terms of arm pain, here’s the likely scenario: Sometimes the contents of your stomach make their way into the trachea (or windpipe, which runs next to the esophagus), and then reach the lungs, causing exacerbations of asthma and occasionally pneumonitis or infectious pneumonia.
Should that occur, the diaphragm (the big muscle under your lungs that helps you breathe) may become inflamed. Since the diaphragm is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which starts near the cervical spine, regions that are also served by spinal nerves can be affected, e.g., the arms and shoulders.
Keep in mind that left arm pain is often associated with heart disease, so if you haven’t yet been evaluated for your pain, you should see a physician soon.
Q2. My 8-year-old daughter has been complaining of nausea for about a month now. It began while she was eating some candy at the movies when she suddenly didn’t feel so well. Our family doctor said not to worry, but her symptoms have steadily progressed. She complains of heartburn about twice a week and says she’s nauseated after eating in the morning. She also has developed a rash on her chest and back. Any advice?
It is difficult for me to diagnose your daughter without examining her and getting more detailed information about her symptoms.
However, there are several common causes of prolonged nausea in children. You mentioned one common cause — heartburn, also known as “gastroesophageal reflex disease,” or GERD. Patients with GERD experience an uncomfortable sensation when acidic contents from the stomach reflux backwards up into the esophagus. Symptoms of reflux include pain in the middle of the abdomen or chest, nausea, and sometimes even a bad taste in the mouth after eating. This is a very common problem that is often treated with diet modifications such as eating fewer fatty foods, eating smaller meals, and not lying down after eating. Medications which lessen the acidity of the contents in the stomach are often used to treat symptoms. There are a variety of medications available ranging from Tums and Maalox, to Pepcid and Nexium.
Another possible cause of prolonged nausea is inflammation of the stomach, called gastritis. The source of inflammation varies. Sometimes after a viral infection people will develop gastritis that can last anywhere from a week to a couple of months.
Some people who experience gastritis are infected with Helicopylori, a bacteria that can cause gastritis, and other problems including ulcers.
There are other causes of prolonged nausea that are not related to the stomach or the gastrointestinal system at all, such as stress. Children quite often report nausea and stomach pain when they are stressed. For instance, children who become stressed about school will experience nausea in the morning, but will feel better in the evenings and on vacation.
As I noted initially, I would certainly need more information to diagnose your daughter. However, in light of her symptoms worsening and her developing a rash, I can recommend that your daughter return to her doctor and have her nausea investigated further. Your daughter may even need to see a doctor who specializes in gastrointestinal issues. Good luck!
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5 Common Signs of GERD: John M Rivas, M.D.: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
5 Common Signs of GERD: John M Rivas, M.D.: Gastroenterology and Endoscopy
Getting a little heartburn or acid reflux after a meal once in a while probably isn’t anything to worry about. But if you have acid reflux two or more times a week, you could be one of the 20% of Americans with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
This condition develops when the valve (sphincter) that keeps the tube that runs between your mouth and stomach (esophagus) closed stops working.
This allows stomach acid to go into your esophagus, where it damages the tissue.
GERD causes many frustrating symptoms and can interfere with your quality of life. Plus, if left untreated, GERD increases your risk of developing other health conditions, including Barrett’s esophagus (a precancerous condition).
Fortunately, different treatments exist to help manage GERD. Board-certified gastroenterologist John M. Rivas, MD, and the team at Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida, specialize in diagnosing and treating this common condition.
Dr. Rivas always creates personalized GERD treatment plans considering your unique symptoms and healthcare needs. GERD treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive procedures.
Here’s a look at five common signs of GERD. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rivas for an evaluation.
1. Burning chest pain
Heartburn, or a burning feeling near the middle of your chest, is the most common sign of GERD.
It can be so bad that people go to the ER thinking they’re having a heart attack.
You can tell it’s heartburn and not a coronary condition because, unlike heart attack pain, which radiates down the arm, pain from GERD usually moves along the line from the stomach to the throat.
2. Dental issues
For many people, the first sign of GERD has nothing to do with the stomach or throat. Instead, dental symptoms may signal this gastrointestinal problem.
When stomach acid flows the wrong way, it can reach your mouth. Once this happens, the stomach acid breaks down the enamel on the surface of your teeth. With weaker enamel, your teeth are at greater risk of developing damage or decay.
3. Bitter taste or bad breath
It’s never pleasant when the contents of your stomach make their way back up into your mouth or throat. While it’s not quite throwing up, this condition, called regurgitation, is uncomfortable and can make you queasy as you taste stomach acid or partially digested food.
Regurgitation from GERD can cause you to have a bad or bitter taste in your mouth and frequently triggers bad breath. Sometimes symptoms can affect your nasal passages, larynx, and voice. This is called silent reflux.
4. Dyspepsia
Many people with GERD also have dyspepsia. This term describes a number of symptoms related to general stomach discomfort, including:
- Feeling full or bloated
- Feeling nauseated after eating
- Burping frequently
- Having discomfort or pain in the upper abdomen
If you’re experiencing dyspepsia, be sure to call Dr. Rivas to schedule an exam. The earlier your symptoms are diagnosed, the more effective and quick treatment will be.
5. Throat troubles
When you have GERD, the damage the stomach acid causes to your esophagus can trigger throat symptoms. You may notice that you have trouble swallowing or that your throat feels tight and dry.
Other people describe feeling like there’s a lump or something “stuck” in their throat.
These throat troubles can also lead to a persistent, dry cough. It’s important to see your provider for an accurate diagnosis if you’re experiencing throat symptoms.
If you experience any signs of GERD or want to learn more about this common condition, schedule an appointment online or over the phone at the Rivas Digestive Center in Hollywood, Florida.
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Pain in the hand | ECHR Handbook
Hand pain is a symptom that appears due to various reasons. Discomfort can be different sensations. In addition, it is able to be localized throughout the arm or in one area. The pain appears both gradually and abruptly.
Species
Discomfort in the arms may vary because pain varies:
Pungent. There is discomfort and burning, often – a feeling of “goosebumps”.
Aching. Periodically intensify and weaken, maybe 20-30 minutes.
Sharp. With them, mobility decreases, muscle weakness and discomfort appear.
Backaches. Occur abruptly, last 2-3 minutes. Another such pain is called “cutting”.
Whatever type of pain it is, it causes a lot of inconvenience. Therefore, it is important to contact a specialist in a timely manner in order not only to eliminate unpleasant symptoms, but also to prevent negative consequences.
Causes
Pain in the arms appears due to:
bone fractures;
ligament injuries;
injuries;
strong physical activity;
long stay in an uncomfortable position;
diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
lesions of the nerve trunks;
diseases of the heart, blood vessels;
inflammation of the tendons;
diseases of the joints of the hands.
Arthritis causes pain in the early morning. Even during rest, the discomfort does not go away.
There may also be swelling, hyperemia, fever. In osteoarthritis, the cartilage of the joints becomes thin over time and leads to pain during exercise, crunching, and difficulty in movement.
If the cause is bursitis, then the pain manifests itself in the elbows, where swelling appears. The temperature also rises, redness of the skin. With rheumatoid arthritis, there is pain in small joints, morning stiffness of movements.
Which doctor treats?
In case of incomprehensible pain in the arm, you should consult a neurologist. Who will be involved in the treatment depends on the cause of the disease. You can immediately contact a traumatologist.
Pain in the arm, regardless of the nature of the pain syndrome (burning, sharp, aching or cutting) requires careful examination and close supervision of a specialist.
IMPORTANT! A person should not ignore this symptom or self-medicate, because the cause of pain in the arm can be associated with both muscle pathology and an inflammatory process that urgently needs to be stopped.
Book a consultation with a neurologist or a traumatologist at the Kuntsevo Treatment and Rehabilitation Center to determine the causes of an unpleasant symptom and eliminate it.
Enroll
Treatment methods
In our center you can undergo diagnostics – MRI, ultrasound. Studies are performed after determining the location and nature of the pain. If necessary, additional blood tests are required to determine whether there are infectious and inflammatory diseases in the body.
The method of therapy depends on the disease or injury that caused the pain. In the clinic, specialists prescribe the following treatment methods:
Therapeutic exercise;
Manual therapy;
Reflexology;
Physiotherapy;
It is up to the doctor to decide which procedures will be performed. Sometimes, with pain in the hands, you need to carry out several activities in the complex.
Experienced neurologists apply effective methods of therapy. Patients can perform diagnostics, undergo diagnostics and treatment without leaving the clinic.
Results
If the treatment is carried out in a clinic, it will improve the person’s well-being. Timely treatment shows excellent results. The mobility of the hands improves, pain and other unpleasant symptoms disappear. The person can lead a normal life again.
Rehabilitation and lifestyle restoration
After treatment, patients need to recover. This is ensured by:
maintaining moderate physical activity;
balanced nutrition;
compliance with the regime of work and rest;
intake of vitamin and mineral complexes;
maintaining correct posture;
protection against cold joints and stress;
correction of deformed joints;
disinfection of wounds, scratches and abrasions;
rejection of monotonous and monotonous work;
timely treatment of infectious diseases;
restriction of alcohol consumption.
Way of life with pain in the hands
A healthy lifestyle is needed, which consists in the absence of bad habits. To do this, it is important to give up alcohol and cigarettes. You need to watch your diet. The menu should not include fried, salty, spicy foods. You should drink more pure water and do not drink coffee.
Moderate exercise is needed. And you can choose to run, exercise or swim. Yoga is also suitable. Only with the right lifestyle can you maintain your health at a normal level. By contacting us, patients will be able to successfully undergo treatment and rehabilitation in one place.
References:
- Berzins Yu. E., Dumbere R. T. Tunnel lesions of the nerves of the upper limb. Riga: Zinatne, 1989
- Voznesenskaya T.G. Pain in the back and limbs.//Pain syndromes in neurological practice. Ed. A.M. Veyna. M.: Medpress, 1999
- Mumenthaler M, Basetti K, Detweiler K. Differential diagnosis in neurology. – M. : MEDpress-inform, 2010
- Ionov A.Yu., Gontmakher Yu.V., Shevchenko O.A. and others. Clinical examination of diseases of the joints: Methodological guide. – Krasnodar, Kuban State Medical Academy, 2003
– M. : MEDpress-inform, 2010Pain in the arm – General information, Causes. Tomsk
General information
Pain in the arm can be caused by various reasons, so it can take various forms. The whole arm or some part of it may hurt. The pain may come on suddenly or develop gradually, be sharp or dull, burning or causing numbness , shooting or penetrating, constant or paroxysmal. Pain in the hand is often the result of:
In addition, overstrain of muscle fibers resulting from excessive physical activity, prolonged work in an uncomfortable position can become a cause.
In this case, the affected hand should be kept as quiet as possible. In some situations, pain in the arm is one of the symptoms of diseases:
Therefore, if discomfort does not go away for a long time or periodically resumes for no apparent reason, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Causes of pain in the arm
Pain in the arm is not always felt directly at the site of injury, for example, when the wrist is damaged, it often spreads to the forearm . As a rule, this happens with a systematic high load on the joint, due to the peculiarities of professional activity. In this case, the hand does not have time to recover, which leads to a gradual increased pain .
Although the muscles of the upper arm are fairly well developed in most people, injury to them can also cause significant discomfort. This also includes inflammation of the tendon of the biceps muscle, as well as its friction against the bone or rupture.
Sometimes pain in the upper arm occurs as a result of heavy lifting, causing inflammation in the tendons of the shoulder muscles. It is accompanied by a tingling and burning sensation, which often worries a person at night. Additional discomfort creates an accumulation of fluid in the tissues.
After waking up, the person shakes the limb, which improves microcirculation and brings relief. However, puffiness in the hands of can also occur against the background, for example, of pregnancy, therefore, pathology can only be detected through special diagnostic studies.
Other causes of pain in the arm
Damage to the brachial plexus. Shoulder plexitis is usually due to mechanical causes: trauma, dislocation of the head of the humerus, narrowing of the costoclavicular space with a fracture of the clavicle. A rare variant of brachial plexopathy is Pancoast syndrome, which is based on a tumor of the apex of the lung, growing into the brachial plexus. In such cases, pain in the arm is accompanied by the development of Horner’s syndrome (ptosis, miosis, enophthalmos) due to damage to sympathetic fibers. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiographic signs of a lung apex tumor and destruction of the upper ribs.
Neuralgic amyotrophy is manifested by unusually intense pain in the shoulder girdle and in the arm, combined with pronounced0195 muscle atrophy proximal arm. Often this results in paralysis of the serratus anterior muscle, which leads to the deviation of the medial edge of the scapula, causing it to stand almost perpendicular to the chest. The subacute development of these atrophies distinguishes this variant of plexopathies from radiculopathies and other forms of damage to the brachial plexus.
Shoulder-scapular periarthrosis usually proceeds as one of the neurodystrophic syndromes cervical osteochondrosis either as an independent disease or a consequence of an injury. Pain of varying intensity resembling radiculopathy or plexalgia ; its feature is that the movement of the arm in the sagittal plane is free, but the attempt to move the arm to the side is limited due to muscle contracture and is accompanied by intense pain (the so-called frozen arm).
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs as a result of compression of the median nerve in the osteofibrous canal with arthritis of the wrist joints, tendovaginitis of the flexors of the fingers, often against the background of endocrine changes – menopause, pregnancy, diabetes mellitus, etc. Paresthesia and pain in I-III or during all five fingers of the hand. The pain is aggravated by palpation of the transverse ligament, passive flexion and extension in the wrist joint, when applying the tonometer cuff to the shoulder, raising the arms in the prone position.
Diagnosis and prevention
If a dislocation or a fracture is suspected, an x-ray examination should be performed, if there are no visible external injuries, the condition of the cervical spine should be checked, since the cause of pain may be a protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral disc. If discomfort arises and disappears at rest without any external causes, the development of an inflammatory process cannot be ruled out0196 or arthritis.
It should be remembered that the signs of a fracture of the bone are not always obvious. In a number of cases, it occurs after a blow and remains unnoticed, manifesting itself only during serious physical exertion, since painful sensations are taken as signs of a simple bruise.
Quite often a person encounters pain syndrome , which radiates to one of the arms. If this is the left hand, then the classic symptoms of a heart attack are on the face or myocardial infarction. In this case, pain behind the sternum and in the arm is usually accompanied by:
This situation requires a call to emergency medical assistance . The reason for visiting a doctor is pain in the arm, lasting more than two days, aggravated by physical work or occurring against the background of limited nervous sensitivity. An alarming signal is a change in the shape of the upper limb, the appearance of swelling and joint stiffness .