Arm Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Arm pain

Last summer, I tried weight training, and while doing diamond push-ups, I suddenly felt pain in the ulnar nerve area of my left hand.
At that time, I thought it was just a strain and didn’t pay much attention to it.
After undergoing six sessions of electrical therapy, ultrasound, and infrared treatment at a nearby clinic, I experienced slight improvement and assumed it would heal on its own.
However, not only did it not improve, but my condition worsened due to my part-time internship.
Initially, I only had pain in the ulnar nerve area of my left hand, but later, my right hand developed the same symptoms.
As time went on, I also began to experience pain in the median nerve of both hands, multiple tender points in my forearms, and frequent tightness and soreness in my shoulders and neck, as well as pain around my scapula.
It feels like the pain in my neck, shoulders, scapula, and arms is interconnected.
My arms often feel weak, and when I raise them, I notice that they fatigue more quickly than normal.
Currently, I am undergoing rehabilitation at a large hospital, and there has been some slight improvement, but I still feel like I am far from recovery.
Each time I visit the doctor, I receive very simple responses and the same rehabilitation plan for another six sessions.
The pain in my hands has been a significant source of distress for me, and I often worry that I may never fully recover.
During my internship, I struggle greatly due to the weakness and pain, and I hope the doctor can provide some good advice.

Xiao Yan, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/09/14

Dr. Shen Boquan reply Orthopedics

Hello, based on your description, the pain caused by a sports injury, combined with work-related fatigue, has persisted for a long time.
During this period, aside from rehabilitation, have you considered any other treatments? Rehabilitation therapy typically requires patience and needs to be continued for some time.
If these symptoms are interfering with your daily life, you may consider taking anti-inflammatory pain medications or receiving local injections to alleviate the symptoms.
If you still have concerns after seeing a rehabilitation specialist, you might want to consult an orthopedic physician for further advice.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/09/14

More Info

Understanding arm pain, especially when it involves multiple nerves and muscle groups, can be quite complex. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of symptoms that may be related to nerve compression, overuse injuries, or even a combination of both.

Causes of Arm Pain
1. Nerve Compression: The symptoms you describe, particularly the pain in the ulnar nerve area (the "funny bone" area) and later the median nerve (which affects the thumb, index, and middle fingers), suggest that you might be dealing with conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome or carpal tunnel syndrome. These conditions occur when nerves are compressed at specific points in the arm, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness.

2. Overuse Injuries: Engaging in activities like weight training, especially exercises that put a strain on the arms and shoulders, can lead to overuse injuries. This includes tendonitis or muscle strain, which can cause pain and discomfort in the forearm and shoulder regions.

3. Referred Pain: The interconnectedness of the shoulder, neck, and arm means that issues in one area can lead to pain in another. For example, shoulder impingement or cervical spine issues can manifest as arm pain.

4. Muscle Imbalances: If certain muscles are overworked while others are underused, it can lead to tension and pain. This is often seen in individuals who perform repetitive tasks or exercises without proper form or balance.

Symptoms
Your symptoms of pain, weakness, and tightness in the neck and shoulder areas, along with the pressure points in the forearm, indicate that there may be multiple factors at play. The fact that your symptoms have progressed from one arm to both arms suggests a systemic issue, possibly related to posture, ergonomics, or repetitive strain.

Treatment Options
1. Physical Therapy: Continuing with physical therapy is crucial. A skilled therapist can provide targeted exercises to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight ones, and improve overall function. They can also teach you proper body mechanics to prevent further injury.

2. Ergonomic Adjustments: If your work or study environment contributes to your symptoms, consider making ergonomic adjustments. This could include using a chair that supports your back, ensuring your workstation is at the correct height, and taking regular breaks to stretch.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain and inflammation. However, consult your doctor before starting any medication, especially if you have other health conditions.

4. Activity Modification: It may be necessary to modify or temporarily halt activities that exacerbate your symptoms. This includes heavy lifting or repetitive motions that strain your arms.

5. Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or chiropractic care may provide relief for some individuals. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any alternative treatments.

6. Surgical Options: In cases where conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary, especially if there is significant nerve compression.

Conclusion
It's understandable to feel frustrated with your recovery process, especially when symptoms persist despite treatment. It's essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers and express your concerns. They may need to reassess your treatment plan or explore additional diagnostic options to pinpoint the underlying issues more accurately. Remember, recovery can take time, and a multidisciplinary approach often yields the best outcomes. Stay proactive in your rehabilitation, and don't hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being adequately addressed.

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