Arm Pain After Sports Injury: When to Seek Help

Regarding arm pain issues?

Hello, Dr.
Hsu: I would like to consult you about my condition.
About a year ago, while playing softball, I collided with a classmate while trying to catch a high fly ball.
The impact was quite strong, and both of us fell to the ground.
At that time, I didn't feel much pain, and afterwards, I thought it was just a minor injury and didn't pay much attention to it.
A few days later, the pain subsided.
However, I have since noticed that whenever I exert my left arm (for example, when I swing a badminton racket vigorously, throw a few baseballs, or lift heavy objects), I experience sudden pain and weakness, particularly around the elbow and shoulder areas, and sometimes even in the wrist.
After resting for a few days, the pain goes away and feels normal again.
This situation has persisted until now.
Could you please advise me on how to handle this? If I need to see a doctor, which specialty should I consult (orthopedics, rehabilitation, etc.)? Thank you, doctor!

Kimi, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/31

Dr. Xu Zhaoren reply Orthopedics

This situation may require a visit to an orthopedic clinic for examination and treatment to determine the diagnosis for a complete resolution.

Reply Date: 2005/08/31

More Info

It sounds like you have been experiencing ongoing pain and discomfort in your left arm following a sports injury from about a year ago. Given the nature of your injury—a collision while playing softball—it is possible that you may have sustained some form of soft tissue injury, such as a strain or sprain, or even a more serious injury like a ligament tear or a rotator cuff injury.

Understanding Your Symptoms
The symptoms you describe—pain and weakness in the arm, particularly around the elbow and shoulder, as well as occasional wrist pain—are indicative of a potential underlying issue that may not have fully healed. The fact that the pain tends to return with specific activities suggests that there may be some instability or weakness in the muscles or tendons surrounding the shoulder and elbow joints.

When to Seek Help
You should consider seeking medical attention if:
1. Pain Persists: If the pain continues to interfere with your daily activities or sports, it is important to get it evaluated.

2. Increased Severity: If the pain worsens over time or becomes more frequent, this could indicate a more serious underlying issue.

3. Functional Limitations: If you find it increasingly difficult to perform tasks that require the use of your left arm, such as lifting or throwing, this is a sign that you should seek help.

4. Swelling or Bruising: If you notice any swelling, bruising, or changes in the appearance of your arm, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional.

Recommended Medical Specialties
Given your symptoms, you may want to consider seeing a specialist in one of the following areas:
- Orthopedic Surgery: This specialty focuses on the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate your injury and determine if there are any structural issues that need to be addressed.

- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R): Also known as physiatry, this specialty focuses on restoring function and improving quality of life through non-surgical means. A physiatrist can help with rehabilitation strategies and pain management.

- Sports Medicine: A physician specializing in sports medicine can provide a comprehensive evaluation of your injury and develop a tailored rehabilitation program to help you recover and prevent future injuries.

Treatment Options
1. Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain. Allow your arm to rest and recover.

2. Physical Therapy: A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program that includes strengthening exercises, stretching, and modalities to reduce pain and improve function.

3. Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen), can help manage pain and inflammation.

4. Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area can reduce swelling, while heat can help relax and loosen tissues and stimulate blood flow.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: Once you begin to feel better, gradually reintroduce activities that involve your arm, ensuring you do not push through pain.

Psychological Considerations
It’s also important to address any psychological aspects of your injury. Anxiety about re-injury or fear of pain can hinder recovery. Consider discussing these feelings with a healthcare provider or a counselor who specializes in sports psychology. They can help you develop coping strategies to manage your fears and anxieties related to your injury.

In summary, while it is common to experience some pain after a sports injury, persistent or recurrent pain should not be ignored. Seeking the appropriate medical attention can help you understand the underlying issues and guide you toward effective treatment and recovery strategies.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Sports Injuries: Rehabilitation and Recovery for Teens

Hello, doctor. I am 17 years old. About six months ago, during our school's sports day (first semester of my sophomore year), I sprained my right arm while throwing a javelin. Now, in the second semester of my sophomore year, my arm has not yet healed. Symptoms: There is sig...

Dr. Pan Yingda reply Rehabilitation
*The main issue with online consultations is the inability to clearly assess your condition, so responses can only be general. Therefore, it is recommended that individuals with troubling issues first consult a nearby physician who can better understand and address your problems....

Understanding and Preventing Baseball-Related Arm Injuries in Young Athletes

Hello Doctor: My son plays baseball, and recently he has been experiencing pain in his upper arm when he extends his arm forward while pitching (the pain only occurs during pitching, not during batting). He had a similar issue last year, but it was in a different location (the in...

Dr. Wang Zhaomin reply Rehabilitation
Inner elbow pain is a common injury among pitchers, which may be caused by overuse, muscle weakness, poor posture, or improper technique. Possible conditions include tendon tears, ligament strains, bone spurs, and joint effusion. Training methods should follow the guidance of a p...

Understanding Elbow Impingement: When to Seek Medical Attention

Hello, this morning while I was rafting, I was holding onto the rope in the center of the inflatable boat with my left hand due to the rapids, and my entire arm had no other support. Unexpectedly, my coach behind me slipped and fell heavily onto my arm. I immediately felt pain an...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Joint impact usually causes pain or swelling. If the pain is severe enough to prevent movement, a fracture may be present. If movement is still possible, the likelihood of a fracture is significantly lower. Hemarthrosis can also make the joint hesitant to move. It is best to see ...

Should You Seek Rehab for Severe Arm Pain After Playing Badminton?

I played badminton with a friend, and although we both can use either hand, it had been a while since I last played. After an intense match, my arms became extremely sore, almost incapacitated. I tried applying heat and using anti-inflammatory ointment, but the soreness persists....

Dr. Chen Xianchang reply Rehabilitation
Hello, sir: Thank you for your inquiry. Here are my responses and suggestions: 1. Generally speaking, during the acute phase, ice therapy should be applied first. Once the "redness, swelling, heat, and pain" associated with inflammation subsides, heat therapy can be int...