Arm pain is defined as any kind of uneasiness or pain experienced in the area between the wrist joint and the shoulder joint. Many people suffer from such pain, no matter how old they are. In most situations, the pain last for a short time. However, injuries or infections may cause serious symptoms. Treatments for muscle pain in arm should depend on the causes.
Descriptions of possible causes of muscle pain in arm along with their treatment options, are as follows:
Injuries resulting from a broken bone, torn or pulled muscle, dislocated elbow, or growth plate fracture are all leading causes of arm pain.
Consulting a doctor when a trauma is experienced is the ideal way of dealing with it so as to prevent any long-lasting injury or pain.
A hard workout or extreme physical exertion can result in muscle tension.
Apply ice over areas where the muscle is tense, as this helps in lowering the flow of blood to the affected area. Make sure that the muscle tension has healed properly before starting the normal day-to-day work.
When the nerves present in the back or spinal area are squeezed, it leads to a pinched nerve which can then result in an arm spasm.
A brace or splint should be used to immobilize this area with the occasional application of heat bags or ice cubes on the pinched nerves.
When the long head of the tendon of the biceps are inflamed, it results in the condition known as bicipital tendinitis; the injury is accompanied by swelling and pain in the shoulder region.
A physical therapy session carried out for 10-15 minutes daily can alleviate the pain.
When the median nerve running into the palm of the hand from the forearm is pressed, it can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel causes numbness, pain, and/or weakness in the hand that often extends through the entire arm.
Initial treatment of the condition often includes rest, immobilization of wrist with the help of a splint, and frequent application of ice.
Presence of a herniated disc in the neck can lead not only to neck pain, but is often also the underlying cause behind arm pain.
The condition can only be treated through medications and non-surgical treatments.
A malfunctioning heart can lead to severe pain in the right arm as part of a heart attack.
Although the attack needs an emergency treatment, corrective measures post-heart attack can go a long way in preventing future arm pain.
Watches, bracelets, or any other kind of jewelry should be immediately removed from the hand and arm as soon as a pain starts to develop in this region; this prevents the jewelry from getting stuck in the inflamed area which can otherwise compress nerves and restrict blood flow.
It is recommended that the injured arm is elevated during or after applying ice. This helps in keeping the arm above the heart’s level which aids in the reduction of swelling.
Smoking blocks the healing process by decreasing blood flow to the affected region. It also causes a delay in tissue repair.
If these symptoms occur with arm pain, they may be signs of a life-threatening or a serious condition. In this case, you need to seek the advice of a doctor or have yourself evaluated in an emergency setting.