Causes of Arm Pain
Besides sprains and strains, there are many other causes of arm pain. Some of them include septic arthritis, osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tear, thoracic outlet syndrome, and thyroid disorders.
Osteoarthritis
OA is one of the most common types of arthritis. It is a chronic disease that affects the joints of the hands, wrists, feet, and neck. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is a disease that may be caused by injury, infection, or genetics. It is the most common form of arthritis and occurs most often in people over 45.
In order to diagnose osteoarthritis, doctors will ask about your medical history. They will also ask when the pain begins. If the pain is accompanied by a burning sensation, numbness, or tingling, it may be a symptom of pinched nerves. They may also perform a physical examination.
X-rays of the joint may show bone spurs, joint-space narrowing, and other symptoms. However, X-rays aren’t very helpful for early detection.
Physical therapy can also be used to improve the range of motion. Exercises include stretching and strengthening exercises, low-impact aerobic exercises, and endurance exercises.
Doctors also use medication to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. NSAIDs, for example, can help reduce pain. However, they may also cause side effects in older people. Taking medications can help reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, but you should check with your doctor before taking any medication.
For more serious cases of osteoarthritis, your doctor may recommend surgery. Surgery may be used to restore motion in elbows and knees. In severe cases, your doctor may also use back supports.
Medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some drugs are used in combination with physical therapy.
Rotator cuff tear
Having a rotator cuff tear causes arm pain and can limit movement. It is a common condition that can happen to people of all ages. It may be caused by trauma, overuse, or chronic wear and tear. The condition can lead to arthritis in the shoulder joint.
Rotator cuff tears may occur suddenly and may cause a sharp snapping sensation. Pain in the shoulder may also occur when lifting an arm.
People who are older, especially those who are older than 40, have a greater risk of a rotator cuff tear. Overuse and aging can cause the tendons in the rotator cuff to weaken.
Sudden rotator cuff tears can occur after a fall or injury. They may also occur due to repetitive movements such as tennis or weightlifting. It is important to seek medical treatment immediately so that you can avoid more serious conditions in the future.
Rotator cuff tears can be treated through physical therapy or surgery. Nonsurgical treatments are preferred because they avoid some of the major risks of surgery. Surgical treatments involve opening the shoulder joint and replacing injured cartilage and tendons. Surgical treatment also involves physical therapy to help you recover.
Surgery is usually reserved for patients with severe symptoms of joint deterioration. Patients who suffer from a rotator cuff tear may need to wear an arm sling for up to six weeks. It is also important to rest the shoulder as much as possible during recovery.
Thoracic outlet syndrome
Symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome include a variety of conditions. They include numbness and weakness in the arms, shoulder pain, and changes in skin temperature.
The causes of thoracic outlet syndrome can be congenital or inherited. Other causes include physical trauma, poor posture, repetitive movements, bodybuilding, and pregnancy. These conditions can lead to internal changes that compress nerves and vessels in the thoracic outlet.
The symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome may come and go depending on the activities the patient is doing. Pain relief methods can be used to relieve symptoms. Surgery may be necessary if the condition is severe.
Surgery for thoracic outlet syndrome can be invasive and may damage the brachial plexus. Anticoagulant medications can be used to reduce the risk of blood clots. In addition, angioplasty may be an option for patients with narrowed arteries.
In addition, physical therapy may be used to improve muscle strength in the neck and arm. This can improve motion and help prevent the symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome.
People who have thoracic outlet syndrome may need to stop activities that involve repetitive movements. They may also have to change their shoulder position. This can be especially helpful for those who work in an office environment. They may also need to use a bag with two shoulder straps to reduce pressure on the collarbone.
Surgery for a thoracic outlet may also be necessary if the condition is severe. The surgery may involve removing part of the first rib or removing muscles that are causing compression.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and wrist. This syndrome can affect the gripping ability and result in permanent damage. Fortunately, treatment can help reduce the symptoms and allow the patient to resume normal activities.
The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may come on suddenly or gradually. The severity of the symptoms is dependent on the type of injury or deformity causing the syndrome. Often, the first signs of the syndrome are tingling or numbness in the hand.
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms are usually worse at night. If you are waking up in the middle of the night due to numbness or tingling, you may want to consult your doctor. Taking frequent rest breaks can also help you relieve symptoms.
You may also want to try a wrist splint to reduce pressure on the nerve. Your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Your doctor may also suggest surgery to correct the condition. This surgery will take about 20 minutes and is usually effective. The success of the surgery depends on the severity of the nerve damage.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by repetitive movements. During these movements, the median nerve passes through the carpal tunnel. When the tendons that bend your fingers become irritated, they may become narrower and put pressure on the nerve. This narrowing of the carpal tunnel may cause the nerve to be compressed.
Thyroid disorders
Symptoms of thyroid disease can develop on the skin, hair, and nails. The symptoms are usually mild but can interfere with daily activities. In some cases, they are so severe that a person may need to take hormones or other medications to help regulate their thyroid.
One of the most common symptoms of thyroid disease is muscle pain. This is due to the fact that the thyroid releases hormones that help the body convert food into fuel. If the thyroid is malfunctioning, it may not be able to convert the food into fuel properly.
Another symptom of thyroid disease is a fast heartbeat. This is caused by the thyroid hormones being overproduced. This can lead to a dangerously fast heartbeat.
Another symptom of thyroid disease is weight gain. This is caused by the release of hormones that can lead to weight gain. The hormones can also cause an inability to tolerate cold temperatures.
Thyroid disease is also associated with joint pain. This may be caused by inflammation in the body. When the inflammation goes away, the pain may go away as well. If the joint pain does not go away, your doctor may prescribe steroids.
If the joint pain is not alleviated, your doctor may consider other causes for the joint pain. He may also prescribe acupuncture or TENS to help ease the pain. Keeping motivated to exercise will help reduce the pain.
Septic arthritis
Depending on the pathogen that is causing the infection, septic arthritis for arm pain can be treated with antibiotic medicines. Antibiotics are given directly into the bloodstream to kill the bacteria. They are usually started as soon as the patient is diagnosed with septic arthritis. These medicines must be taken for several weeks.
Septic arthritis for arm pain may be caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. The bacteria enter the joint from the bloodstream, from an infected wound, or from the gut. The bacteria may also be introduced during joint replacement surgery. The joint may need to be splinted to protect it from infection.
In addition, septic arthritis can be a serious and life-threatening infection. The symptoms of septic arthritis may include fever, fatigue, and pain when moving the affected joint. If left untreated, septic arthritis can cause permanent damage to the joint. It may also cause blood poisoning.
The first step in diagnosing septic arthritis is to obtain a sample of fluid from the infected joint. The doctor may also use an x-ray or ultrasound to examine the joint. If the fluid shows signs of inflammation, it can confirm the diagnosis. Other tests may also be used to diagnose septic arthritis. These tests include blood tests, CT scans, ultrasounds, or MRIs.
Symptoms of septic arthritis may include fever, pain, and swelling. The person may also experience nausea, dizziness, or difficulty moving the joint.
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