Leg Pain and Arm Discomfort: Rehabilitation Insights

Hand soreness and leg pain?

Hello, Director Pan! I have a troubling issue to consult: My usual leisure activities are jogging and cycling.
About a year ago, after jogging about seven or eight laps, I began to experience pain in my left leg, just below the hip (on the outer side of the tendon).
However, cycling does not cause pain.
To this day, I experience pain when walking or sitting (sharp pain), and sometimes that area just hurts.
During this time, I have seen an orthopedic specialist and undergone rehabilitation treatments (heat therapy, physical therapist adjustments, electrical therapy, etc.), but the results have been limited.
The pain seems to be near the tendon, and pressing on the hip also causes pain, while my thigh easily becomes sore.

Additionally, about six months ago, I started experiencing soreness in my left shoulder and upper arm.
Sometimes, there is a popping sound when I rotate my arm.
An X-ray examination revealed a dislocated joint.
Recently, after treatment, there has been some improvement, but now my right arm also frequently feels sore.
Currently, I am experiencing soreness in my left shoulder and upper arm (especially the shoulder and scapula) and my right arm.

I would like to ask you:
1.
Since I have been in rehabilitation for some time with limited improvement, would continued rehabilitation be beneficial? What other treatments (or examinations) should I consider?
2.
Is there a correlation between the soreness in my arms and legs? Is there any connection between my two arms? Could other factors be causing this?
3.
What supportive treatments can I do at home for my arms and legs (heat, cold compresses, or others)?
4.
During rehabilitation, the therapist mentioned that my lack of relaxation during neck massages affects the treatment's effectiveness.
Do you have any suggestions for improvement?
5.
Is the ultrasound massage pool in the swimming pool helpful?
Thank you, Director, for taking the time to respond.

Wenhua, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2003/07/27

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation

The issues are somewhat complex, so I'll address them one by one.

1.
Rehabilitation is helpful, but I recommend that you consult a different physician (for example, a rehabilitation specialist) to get a second opinion.
As for other examinations, I believe it is more appropriate for your attending physician to make that decision.

2.
Generally, there should be no direct correlation.
The most common causes are sports injuries, work-related factors, poor posture, and improper movements (such as shrugging the shoulders when lifting the arms or concentrating load on painful areas while running).

3.
In my personal opinion, cold and heat therapy only address the symptoms.
You need to eliminate the root cause first, and then engage in some therapeutic exercises, such as stretching the outer thigh and strengthening exercises for shoulder and arm movements.

4.
If we do not learn to relax, it is easy to sustain injuries during exercise or daily activities, so you need to practice relaxation techniques.

5.
Yes, there are options, but they are not fundamental.
If you live in Taitung, you are welcome to come and let me examine you; we can work together to address your issues.
Take care!

Reply Date: 2003/07/27

More Info

Dear Henry,
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your ongoing pain and discomfort following your car accident. Based on your description and the information provided, it seems you are experiencing significant issues with both your right shoulder and elbow, which may be related to soft tissue injuries rather than fractures, as indicated by your X-ray results.

1. Understanding Your Symptoms: The pain in your right shoulder and the inability to fully extend your elbow could be indicative of a rotator cuff injury or tendinitis, especially since you mentioned weakness and pain when attempting to lift or use your arm. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder and allow for a wide range of motion. If these structures are injured, it can lead to pain, weakness, and limited mobility. The fact that you are experiencing pain when trying to lift your arm sideways suggests that the rotator cuff may indeed be involved.

2. Importance of MRI: Your orthopedic specialist has recommended an MRI to further evaluate the condition of your shoulder. This imaging technique is crucial as it provides detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. An MRI can help confirm whether there is a rotator cuff tear or other soft tissue damage that may require specific treatment.

3. Current Treatment and Rehabilitation: While you are currently managing your pain with medications and topical treatments like BenGay, it is essential to follow a structured rehabilitation program. Physical therapy can be beneficial in restoring strength and mobility to your shoulder and elbow. A physical therapist can design a program tailored to your needs, focusing on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises that can help alleviate pain and improve function over time.

4. Monitoring Your Condition: Given that you have been experiencing these symptoms for over a month without significant improvement, it is crucial to keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor. If your pain worsens or if you develop new symptoms, such as increased swelling or a fever, it may be necessary to seek immediate care, potentially at an emergency room. Early intervention can prevent further complications.

5. Potential for Recovery: It is understandable to be concerned about the long-term implications of your injuries. Many soft tissue injuries can take time to heal, and with appropriate treatment, including physical therapy and possibly surgical intervention if a significant tear is found, many patients experience substantial recovery. However, the timeline for recovery can vary widely depending on the severity of the injury and adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

6. Self-Care Strategies: In the meantime, you can engage in self-care strategies to help manage your pain. Applying ice to the affected areas can reduce inflammation, while heat can help relax tense muscles. Additionally, gentle range-of-motion exercises, as tolerated, can help maintain mobility in your shoulder and elbow.

7. Relaxation Techniques: Regarding your concern about relaxation during therapy, consider practicing deep breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques before your sessions. This can help you feel more at ease and may enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

8. Hydrotherapy Benefits: Lastly, using a hydrotherapy pool with ultrasound massage features can be beneficial. The buoyancy of water reduces stress on your joints while allowing for gentle movement, which can aid in pain relief and rehabilitation.

In conclusion, it is crucial to stay proactive about your recovery. Continue to communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and progress. With the right approach, you can work towards regaining full function and alleviating your pain.

Best wishes for your recovery,
Doctor Q&A Teams

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