Left Forearm Ache: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments Explained
What are the common causes of left forearm pain. How can forearm aches be diagnosed and treated. What preventive measures can be taken to avoid forearm discomfort.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Forearm
The forearm is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. To comprehend forearm pain, it’s crucial to understand its anatomy. The forearm contains two main bones: the radius and the ulna. These bones are connected to the humerus at the elbow joint and to the carpals at the wrist joint.
The forearm muscles are divided into two compartments:
- Anterior compartment: Contains muscles responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers
- Posterior compartment: Houses muscles that extend the wrist and fingers
The main nerves running through the forearm are the median, ulnar, and radial nerves. These nerves control muscle movement and sensation in the hand and fingers. Understanding this anatomy is essential for identifying the source of forearm pain and determining appropriate treatment options.
Common Causes of Left Forearm Pain
Left forearm pain can stem from various causes, ranging from minor injuries to more serious conditions. Here are some of the most common reasons for left forearm discomfort:
Wrist Sprain
A wrist sprain occurs when the ligaments in the wrist are stretched or torn. This injury can cause pain that radiates into the forearm. Symptoms of a wrist sprain include:
- Pain and tenderness in the wrist area
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Difficulty moving the wrist
Wrist sprains are often caused by falls or sudden twisting motions. They can range from mild (involving ligament stretching) to severe (complete ligament tears).
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment
Ulnar nerve entrapment, also known as cubital tunnel syndrome, occurs when the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the forearm and hand. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck down to the hand, passing through the cubital tunnel at the elbow.
Factors that can contribute to ulnar nerve entrapment include:
- Repetitive elbow flexion
- Prolonged pressure on the elbow
- Previous elbow injuries
- Anatomical variations
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) of the forearm results from overuse and repetitive motions. This condition is common among individuals who perform repetitive tasks, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or engaging in certain sports. Symptoms of RSI include:
- Forearm pain and tenderness
- Weakness in the affected area
- Numbness or tingling sensations
- Stiffness in the forearm
RSI can be prevented by taking regular breaks, using ergonomic equipment, and practicing proper posture during repetitive activities.
Diagnosing Left Forearm Pain
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of left forearm pain. Healthcare providers employ various methods to identify the underlying cause:
Physical Examination
A thorough physical examination is the first step in diagnosing forearm pain. The doctor will assess:
- Range of motion in the wrist, elbow, and fingers
- Strength of the forearm muscles
- Sensation in the affected area
- Presence of swelling or visible deformities
Imaging Studies
Imaging tests can provide valuable information about the internal structures of the forearm. Common imaging studies include:
- X-rays: To evaluate bone structure and detect fractures
- MRI: For detailed soft tissue imaging, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments
- Ultrasound: To visualize soft tissues and assess for inflammation or fluid buildup
Nerve Conduction Studies
In cases where nerve involvement is suspected, nerve conduction studies may be performed. These tests measure the speed and strength of electrical signals traveling through the nerves, helping to identify areas of compression or damage.
Treatment Options for Left Forearm Pain
The treatment for left forearm pain depends on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Here are some common approaches:
Conservative Treatments
Many cases of forearm pain can be managed with conservative measures, including:
- Rest and activity modification
- Ice or heat therapy
- Over-the-counter pain medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen)
- Compression bandages or braces
- Gentle stretching exercises
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be beneficial for various forearm conditions. A physical therapist can design a customized treatment plan that may include:
- Strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles
- Range of motion exercises
- Manual therapy techniques
- Ergonomic training to prevent future injuries
Surgical Interventions
In severe cases or when conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary. Surgical options depend on the specific condition but may include:
- Nerve decompression for ulnar nerve entrapment
- Tendon repair for severe repetitive strain injuries
- Ligament reconstruction for chronic wrist instability
Preventing Left Forearm Pain
Prevention is key to avoiding forearm pain and related conditions. Here are some strategies to help protect your forearms:
Ergonomic Adjustments
Proper ergonomics can significantly reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries. Consider the following tips:
- Use ergonomic keyboards and mice
- Maintain proper posture while working
- Adjust your chair and desk height for optimal comfort
- Take regular breaks to stretch and move
Strengthening Exercises
Building strength in the forearm muscles can help prevent injuries and reduce pain. Some effective exercises include:
- Wrist curls and reverse wrist curls
- Grip strengthening exercises
- Forearm pronation and supination exercises
- Tennis ball squeezes
Proper Technique in Sports and Activities
When engaging in sports or activities that involve repetitive forearm motions, it’s crucial to use proper technique. This may involve:
- Taking lessons from a qualified instructor
- Using appropriate equipment
- Gradually increasing intensity and duration of activities
- Incorporating rest periods into training routines
When to Seek Medical Attention for Left Forearm Pain
While many cases of left forearm pain can be managed at home, certain situations warrant medical attention. Seek professional help if you experience:
- Severe pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home remedies
- Numbness or tingling that persists or worsens
- Visible deformity or swelling in the forearm
- Weakness in the hand or difficulty gripping objects
- Pain accompanied by fever or redness, which may indicate infection
Early intervention can prevent complications and lead to more effective treatment outcomes. Don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about your forearm pain.
Lifestyle Modifications for Managing Chronic Forearm Pain
For individuals dealing with chronic forearm pain, certain lifestyle modifications can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life:
Stress Management
Stress can exacerbate pain and tension in the body, including the forearms. Incorporating stress-reduction techniques into your daily routine can be beneficial:
- Mindfulness meditation
- Deep breathing exercises
- Yoga or tai chi
- Regular exercise
- Adequate sleep
Dietary Considerations
While diet alone may not cure forearm pain, certain nutritional choices can support overall musculoskeletal health:
- Consume anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., fatty fish, berries, leafy greens)
- Stay hydrated to maintain proper muscle and joint function
- Consider supplements like omega-3 fatty acids or turmeric (consult with a healthcare provider first)
Adaptive Tools and Technologies
For those with chronic forearm pain, using adaptive tools can help reduce strain during daily activities:
- Ergonomic writing utensils
- Voice-to-text software for typing
- Adaptive kitchen tools with larger grips
- Assistive devices for opening jars or bottles
By implementing these lifestyle modifications, individuals with chronic forearm pain can often find relief and improved function in their daily lives.
Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for left forearm pain is crucial for effective management and prevention. By recognizing the signs early and taking appropriate action, you can minimize discomfort and maintain optimal forearm health. Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or severe pain to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment.
Right and Left Sided Forearm Pain Causes & Treatments
Wrist sprain
A wrist sprain is an injury to the ligaments in the wrist. A mild sprain involves just stretching of the ligaments while more severe sprains can tear the ligaments.
You should see your primary care doctor tomorrow. He or she may request imaging to make sure that there is no further damage to the bones of the wrist.
Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow
Ulnar nerve entrapment of elbow is also called cubital tunnel syndrome. The ulnar nerve begins at the spinal cord in the neck and runs down the arm into the hand. This very long nerve can become compressed, or entrapped, by other structures at certain points along the way. Entrapment often happens in the cubital tunnel, which is the narrow passage at the inside of the elbow.
The exact cause for entrapment may not be known. Fluid buildup and swelling inside the elbow; previous elbow fracture or dislocation; or leaning on the elbow for long periods of time can put pressure on the ulnar nerve inside the cubital tunnel.
Symptoms include numbness and tingling of the hand and fingers, sometimes leading to weakness and even muscle wasting in the hand.
Diagnosis is made through physical examination, x-ray, and nerve conduction studies.
Treatment begins with wearing a supportive brace and adjusting activities to avoid further irritating the nerve. Surgery is usually not needed unless the nerve compression is causing weakness and loss of use in the hand.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: hand weakness, weakness in one hand, numbness in one hand, pain in one elbow, pain in one forearm
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Forearm strain from a repetitive injury
Repetitive strain injury of the forearm is caused by constantly using the wrist.
You do not need treatment, just rest from your overuse. Wearing a brace and physical therapy might be helpful.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: forearm numbness, forearm weakness, forearm pain from overuse
Symptoms that always occur with forearm strain from a repetitive injury: forearm pain from overuse
Symptoms that never occur with forearm strain from a repetitive injury: severe forearm pain, forearm injury
Urgency: Self-treatment
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a set of chronic symptoms that include ongoing fatigue, diffuse tenderness to touch, musculoskeletal pain, and usually some degree of depression.
The cause is not known. When fibromyalgia appears, it is usually after a stressful physical or emotional event such as an automobile accident or a divorce. It may include a genetic component where the person experiences normal sensation as pain.
Almost 90% of fibromyalgia sufferers are women. Anyone with rheumatic disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may be more prone to fibromyalgia.
Poor sleep is often a symptom, along with foggy thinking, headaches, painful menstrual periods, and increased sensitivity to heat, cold, bright lights, and loud noises.
There is no standard test for fibromyalgia. The diagnosis is usually made when the above symptoms go on for three months or more with no apparent cause.
Fibromyalgia does not go away on its own but does not get worse, either.
Treatment involves easing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life through pain medications, exercise, improved diet, and help with managing stressful situations.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: fatigue, arthralgias or myalgias, anxiety, depressed mood, headache
Symptoms that always occur with fibromyalgia: arthralgias or myalgias
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Elbow dislocation (radial head subluxation)
Radial head subluxation is a partial dislocation of a bone in the elbow called the radius. Dislocation means the bone slips out of its normal position.
You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. Apply an ice pack to your elbow, but do not try to straighten or change position of your arm.
Rarity: Rare
Top Symptoms: pain in one elbow, swollen elbow, difficulty moving the elbow, holding arm close to body because of pain, elbow pain from an injury
Symptoms that always occur with elbow dislocation (radial head subluxation): pain in one elbow
Symptoms that never occur with elbow dislocation (radial head subluxation): elbow locking
Urgency: In-person visit
De quervain’s tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist. If you have de Quervain’s tenosynovitis, you will feel pain upon turning your wrist, grasping anything, or making a fist.
You should visit your primary care physician to confirm the diagnosis and discuss treatment options. You can also reduce pain and swelling with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve).
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: hand numbness, thumb pain, hand weakness, weakness in one hand, numbness in one hand
Symptoms that always occur with de quervain’s tenosynovitis: thumb pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness and pain in the underside of the wrist and hand. It is caused by narrowing of the carpal tunnel passageway, which puts pressure on the nerve running through it.
Narrowing and deformity of the tunnel is most often from overuse, especially highly repetitive activities such as typing or working on an assembly line. Wrist fracture or arthritis can damage the carpal tunnel, and so can diabetes and obesity.
Symptoms include numbness and shocklike pain in the wrist, palm, and fingers. There may be weakness in the hand when trying to hold an object.
Carpal tunnel syndrome virtually always gets worse over time. Permanent damage may result, so it is important to be seen by a medical provider.
Diagnosis is made through patient history and physical examination. X-rays or electromyography testing may be used.
Rest and cold packs to the wrist will reduce swelling. Wrist splints and ergonomically correct keyboards and other devices during work are often helpful.
Corticosteroid injections and surgery may also be tried.
Buckle fracture of distal radius
A buckle fracture of the wrist, also known as a torus fracture, is a condition that are most common in children aged 5-10 years due to the elasticity of their bones. This fracture occurs when force is applied to the radius (one of the two bones of the forearm), causing the bone to split along the growth plate.
You should visit your primary care physician within the next 24 hours. The treatment for this kind of fracture is immobilization in a cast.
Rarity: Common
Top Symptoms: constant forearm pain, forearm pain from an injury, pain in one forearm, swollen forearm, wrist injury
Symptoms that always occur with buckle fracture of distal radius: forearm pain from an injury, constant forearm pain
Urgency: Primary care doctor
Bruised forearm
A bruise is the damage of the blood vessels that return blood to the heart (the capillaries and veins), which causes pooling of the blood. This explains the blue/purple color of most bruises. Bruises of the forearm are common, often due to minor injuries.
You can treat this at home with R.I.C.E – rest (exercise as tolerated), ice (10-20 minutes at a time), compression (with tape or bandage), and elevation.
Rarity: Uncommon
Top Symptoms: constant forearm pain, pain in one forearm, forearm pain from an injury, forearm bruise, swelling of one forearm
Symptoms that always occur with bruised forearm: forearm pain from an injury, constant forearm pain
Urgency: Self-treatment
When to see a doctor
You should see a doctor promptly if you experience the following.
- Weakness in your arm(s) with exertion: Such as while lifting or playing sports
- Intermittent tingling, numbness, or pain in your arms or hands lasting no longer than a few minutes at a time: If symptoms persist longer than a few minutes, consider going to an emergency room.
- Medication changes: See a doctor if you believe a change in your medications is causing difficulty focusing, sitting still, or falling asleep at night.
At-home treatments
Several treatments can be tried at home to alleviate forearm pain. However, if a fracture is suspected or if pain persists for more than 24 to 48 hours, call your doctor or head to an emergency room.
- Rest: Resting the affected muscle groups can often help to diminish pain.
- Ice: Applying a cold pack to the source of pain for no more than 15 minutes at a time, three times a day, can also reduce inflammation.
- NSAIDs: Taking the suggested dose of an over-the-counter NSAID, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), can also help lessen musculoskeletal pain.
- How would you explain your forearm pain?
- Have someone feel for your pulse (at the wrist) on the side of your body that hurts. Now, turn your head to that side. Does the pulse go away? (This is known as the Adson's test.)
- What is your body mass?
- Turn your head toward the side of your body that is hurting. Lift your head up as someone else pushes down on your head. Does this cause greater pain in your upper body? (This is known as Spurling's test.)
Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.
Forearm Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Symptoms
Forearm pain can have many different causes, from injuries to underlying health conditions. Often, home remedies can help provide relief.
Your forearm consists of two bones that come together to join at the wrist, called the ulna and radius. Injuries to these bones or to nearby nerves, muscles, or joints can lead to forearm pain.
In many cases, pain in your forearm is not serious and will resolve on its own with rest and at-home care. However, sometimes there is an underlying cause that requires medical treatment.
Forearm pain can result from a number of causes. These range from sudden injuries to repetitive strain to underlying medical conditions that damage nerves, bones, or joints.
Much of the time, forearm pain is temporary and will improve on its own. But if it’s severe, accompanied by other symptoms, or does not improve in a few weeks, you should seek medical care.
Some possible causes of forearm pain include:
- arthritis, when joints in your wrist or elbow become inflamed, sore, and may also swell
- tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, when your tendons become inflamed after injury or repetitive movements
- carpal tunnel syndrome, when swelling causes pressure on the median nerve in your wrist, often causing numbness in your hand and arm and pain that may radiate up the forearm
- sprains or strains, when an injury causes tearing or overstretching of ligaments (strain) or muscles (strain)
- fractures, when an injury causes a bone to crack or break
- angina, a symptom of coronary artery disease that causes pain in your upper body, such as your chest or arms
- cervical radiculopathy, when a pinched nerve in your neck causes pain to radiate down your arm
- nerve problems, which can be the result of conditions such as diabetes or thyroid disorders
Learn more about treating diabetic nerve pain.
Most of the time, pain in your arm or elbow is not a sign of a serious condition. It will often improve on its own. If the pain lasts more than a few weeks without getting better, it’s time to see your doctor.
However, if your pain is severe, sudden, or accompanied by other symptoms, you should not wait to get help. Instead, call your doctor for guidance right away or get emergency care. Reasons to get medical attention with arm pain include:
- numbness or tingling in your arm
- your arm is swollen and you feel hot and shivery or have a high fever
- your arm hurts when you exercise but the pain stops when you rest
- you have difficulty moving your arm and extreme pain
- you heard a snapping noise when your arm was injured, or the shape of your arm has changed
Together with forearm pain, these symptoms could mean you have a broken bone, an infection, or a heart condition. These are serious conditions, so it’s important to get checked out by a doctor right away.
Arm pain can be a sign of heart attack
Arm pain or discomfort can be a sign of heart attack, which is a life threatening condition.
Heart attack warning signs
Signs of a heart attack include:
- chest pain or discomfort
- pain or discomfort in the upper body, in areas such as:
- one or both of your arms
- your neck or jaw
- your back or stomach
- shortness of breath
- nausea or vomiting
- lightheadedness
- breaking out in a cold sweat
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If you think you could be having a heart attack, call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
Treatments for forearm pain can vary based on the underlying cause.
For mild sprains or strains, home remedies can help.
If you’re diagnosed with an injury or another condition that’s affecting your arm, your doctor may also recommend some of these techniques as part of your care plan.
Home remedies
- Resting your forearm can usually help to reduce inflammation.
- Icing the affected area with a cloth-covered ice pack for 5 minutes at a time, several times a day may also help to reduce swelling.
- Taking an over-the-counter pain-relieving medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help to reduce discomfort.
- Wearing a wrist brace or bandage that limits mobility may also help.
Learn more about first aid for sprains.
Exercises
In some cases, your doctor may recommend stretching and strengthening exercises to reduce forearm pain. They may also refer you to a physical therapist who can help you learn exercises and techniques to support healing.
If your health care professional recommends stretching or exercises, they will choose specific techniques for you. The exercises they choose will vary based on which injury or condition is causing your forearm pain. Other exercises may not help or could even worsen your condition.
You shouldn’t begin any exercise or stretching regimen without a doctor’s approval. Otherwise, you could risk worsening an injury.
Stretches and exercises can be mildly uncomfortable, but you shouldn’t feel pain. If you notice pain, it’s best to stop the exercise and talk with your doctor or physical therapist.
Wrist extensor stretch
This stretch helps to reduce tension in the wrist extensor muscles in your forearm. It may be recommended for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow.
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How to do the wrist extensor stretch
- Hold your arm out parallel to the ground, extending from the shoulder. Turn your hand so your palm is facing downward toward the floor.
- Use the opposite hand to pull your outstretched hand down and toward your body, bending your wrist and feeling a stretch on top of your hand and forearm.
- Hold this position for 15-20 seconds.
- Repeat 3-5 times on each side.
Learn more about home remedies for carpal tunnel relief.
Elbow bend
Your doctor may recommend stretching your elbow, if a problem with this area is contributing to forearm pain. Although the exercise may seem similar to a bicep curl, it focuses on increasing the range of movement in your elbow area.
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How to do the elbow bend
- Stand up straight with your arms at your sides.
- Bend one arm upward, allowing the inside of your hand to touch your shoulder. If you can’t reach your shoulder, stretch only as close to it as you can.
- Hold this position for a few seconds.
- Lower your hand and repeat the exercise 10 times.
Wrist turn
Strengthen your forearm muscles with this exercise, which requires minimal equipment. This type of exercise may be recommended after an arm injury or fracture has healed.
Once you can comfortably use your arm again, your doctor may recommend exercises similar to this one to increase your wrist stability and grip strength.
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How to do the wrist turn
- Grasp a water bottle or a can of soup in your hand, with the bottom of the object resting in your palm. Hold your arm out at shoulder height. Start with your palm facing upward.
- Holding onto the bottle or can, turn your arm and wrist until your palm faces downward.
- Continue alternating your palm facing upward to facing downward.
- Perform 3 sets of 10 repetitions.
Exercises with weights are usually not recommended while you are first starting to heal from an injury. Instead, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend other exercises.
Treatments for forearm pain will be different depending on what’s causing your symptoms. Some of the methods used to treat forearm pain include:
- medications to relieve pain and inflammation, or to treat an underlying condition that is causing forearm pain
- physical therapy
- devices to limit your range of motion, such as a brace or collar
- a cast, to hold a broken bone in place while it heals
- heat therapy and cold therapy
- cortisone injections
- surgery to repair damage to nerves, bones, or soft tissue
Unless you have an acute injury or condition that requires surgery, your doctor will usually recommend trying non-surgical treatments first. If your forearm pain doesn’t improve and it’s affecting your quality of life, surgery may be considered after trying other treatments.
If you have a mild sprain or strain, you may be able to manage your condition with home remedies. Rest your forearm and see a doctor if your symptoms get worse instead of improving.
Your doctor can diagnose what’s causing your forearm pain. There are many treatments for this condition, and most people can successfully treat their symptoms without surgery.
If you have sudden or severe arm pain, or other symptoms that cause concern, call for emergency medical help. When a serious injury or medical emergency is causing forearm pain, treatment can reduce the chance of complications and improve your outcomes.
Pain in the shoulder joint of the right or left hand: causes and treatment
Symptoms of pain in the shoulder
Pain in the shoulder can be different depending on its cause.
Shoulder pain may be felt all the time or only occur when the shoulder is moved. Sometimes it doesn’t last long. If the pain does not go away, you should consult a doctor; he will examine and prescribe treatment.
If the discomfort worsens gradually and you cannot sleep on the side of the affected shoulder, it may be tendonitis or bursitis. With tendonitis, tendons become inflamed, with bursitis, too much fluid accumulates in the bag of the shoulder joint.
If you feel pain and have difficulty moving your shoulder, it may be called “frozen shoulder”.
How does shoulder pain affect us?
Shoulder joints provide freedom to lift and move the arms. But with pain in the shoulder, it becomes difficult even to comb your hair and get dressed. Shoulder pain is uncomfortable when we play sports, want to lift a heavy box or reach the top shelf of a closet.
Ease the pain
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connects the humerus to the shoulder blade. Tendons stabilize the shoulder and muscles provide rotation in the joint. *
83% of people suffering from pain have experienced shoulder pain**
Relieve Pain
* Rotator Cuff (Human Anatomy) Picture, Function, Location. 2016. Rotator Cuff (Human Anatomy): Picture, Function, Location. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/picture-of-the-rotator-cuff (Retrieved 03/26/2019)
** According to the Global Pain Index 2018, 83% of people with pain have experienced shoulder pain
Why does shoulder pain occur?
Shoulder pain is due to a variety of causes, including inflammation of the tendons (bursitis and tendinitis), tendon rupture, and osteoarthritis.
Bursitis, tendonitis and tendon ruptures
Shoulder pain may be due to bursitis or tendinitis. With bursitis, the bag that separates the joint from the surrounding soft tissues becomes inflamed. Under the influence of loads, the tendons can gradually become inflamed; this condition is called tendinitis. With injuries and increased loads, the tendons are damaged, resulting in pain. Shoulder pain is more common in older people because the tendons weaken with age.
Diseases associated with pain in the shoulder
Impingement syndrome of the shoulder joint is a condition in which the tendons of the muscle are pressed against the overlying bone and constantly rub against it during movement, resulting in pain. Some people also suffer from frozen shoulder syndrome, a condition in which the elastic tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed. A person has pain and stiffness of movements in the shoulder joint.
Treatment
If pain in the shoulder occurs frequently, it is not necessary to postpone a visit to the doctor, and in case of severe pain and deterioration of health, it is necessary to do so immediately. The doctor will examine your shoulder for abnormalities, swelling, deformity and tenderness, as well as evaluate the range of motion in the shoulder joint and muscle strength. If necessary, the doctor will refer you to additional examinations (for example, x-rays) and prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy. OTC topical or internal pain medications, hot or cold compresses can also help relieve shoulder pain.0003
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Shoulder hurts – what to do? Treatment
Shoulder pain symptoms
Shoulder pain can vary depending on its cause.
Shoulder pain may be felt all the time or only occur when the shoulder is moved. Sometimes it doesn’t last long. If the pain does not go away, you should consult a doctor; he will examine and prescribe treatment.
If the discomfort worsens gradually and you cannot sleep on the side of the affected shoulder, it may be tendonitis or bursitis. With tendonitis, tendons become inflamed, with bursitis, too much fluid accumulates in the bag of the shoulder joint.
If you feel pain and have difficulty moving your shoulder, it may be called frozen shoulder syndrome.
How does shoulder pain affect us?
The shoulder joints give our arms maximum freedom of movement. But with pain in the shoulder, it becomes difficult even to comb your hair and get dressed. Shoulder pain is uncomfortable when we play sports, want to lift a heavy box or reach the top shelf of a closet.
Ease the pain
DID YOU KNOW?
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that connects the humerus to the shoulder blade. Tendons stabilize the shoulder, and muscles provide rotation in the joint.*
72% of people have experienced shoulder pain.**
Get rid of pain
*Rotator Cuff (Human Anatomy): Image, Functions, Location. 2016 [ONLINE] available at: http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/picture-of-the-rotator-cuff.
**2017 GSK Global Pain Index
Why Shoulder Pain Occur?
Shoulder pain is due to a variety of causes, including inflammation of the tendons (bursitis and tendinitis), tendon rupture, and osteoarthritis.
Bursitis, tendonitis and tendon ruptures
Shoulder pain may be due to bursitis or tendinitis. With bursitis, the bag that separates the joint from the surrounding soft tissues becomes inflamed. Under the influence of loads, the tendons can gradually become inflamed; this condition is called tendinitis. With injuries and increased loads, the tendons are damaged, resulting in pain. Shoulder pain is more common in older people because the tendons weaken with age.
Diseases associated with shoulder pain
Frozen shoulder syndrome is a condition in which the elastic tissues surrounding the shoulder joint become inflamed. A person has pain and stiffness of movements in the shoulder joint.
Treatment
If you have frequent shoulder pain, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor, but if you have severe pain and feel unwell, you should do it immediately. The doctor will examine your shoulder for abnormalities, swelling, deformity and tenderness, as well as evaluate the range of motion in the shoulder joint and muscle strength. If necessary, the doctor will refer you for additional examinations (such as x-rays) and may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve inflammation. To speed up recovery, the doctor may prescribe physiotherapy exercises and physiotherapy. Over-the-counter pain medications for internal or external use, hot or cold compresses can also help relieve shoulder pain.
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relieve your pain.