Arm Pain Specialist

What is arm pain?

Arm pain refers to any discomfort or irritation that affects the arm, including the elbows, shoulders, or wrists. Arm pain can occur for a variety of reasons, but it’s usually due to repetitive motions or overuse.

Sometimes, arm pain occurs suddenly following an accident or injury. In other instances, it develops slowly, over an extended period of time. If conservative measures of care like ice, rest, or over-the-counter medications don’t ease your symptoms, don’t wait to seek professional medical help at Pain Medicine Inc.

What are the symptoms of arm pain?

The symptoms of arm pain vary and depend on the underlying cause. Telltale signs include:

• Arm redness
  
• Stiffness
  
• Swelling
  
• Trouble lifting
  
• Difficulty holding tools and other handheld items
  
• Swollen lymph nodes under the arm
  
• Bruising
  
• Increased sensitivity
  

As arm pain gets worse, you might also experience a decline in your arm’s overall range of motion.

What are some common causes of arm pain?

Both of your arms contain a complex network of muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, joints, and nerves. These elements work in coordination with one another, allowing you to lift, reach, grab, and throw. Although these structures are incredibly tough, they’re also susceptible to injury and illness.

Some of the most common causes of arm pain include:

• Pinched nerves
  
• Strains
  
• Sprains
  
• Bursitis
  
• Tendonitis
  
• Rotator cuff injuries
  
• Broken bones
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis
  
• Osteoarthritis
  
• Multiple sclerosis
  

Cardiovascular problems, such as angina or a heart attack, can also trigger arm pain. Angina occurs when your heart doesn’t get enough oxygen. You might also experience arm pain due to a neck-related issue, like radiculopathy.

How is arm pain diagnosed?

To diagnose arm pain, Dr. Khan at Pain Medicine Inc conducts a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about your symptoms and lifestyle. During your exam, you perform a series of easy exercises while he evaluates your arm strength and range-of-motion.

If Dr. Khan suspects an underlying illness is causing your arm pain, he may order blood tests to check for diabetes or inflammation of the joints. He might also order an X-ray or MRI to get a closer look at the bones, joints, and soft tissues in your arm.

How is arm pain treated?

Treatment of arm pain depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your quality of life. Depending on your unique needs, Dr. Khan might recommend treatment with neuropathic pain medications, anti-inflammatory drugs, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, spinal cord stimulation, or radiofrequency neuro ablation.

If your symptoms persist or get worse, you might benefit from opiate painkillers, epidural injections, facet injections, or nerve sleeve injections.

To explore your treatment options for arm pain, schedule an appointment at Pain Medicine Inc. Call the office and speak with a staff member or book a consultation online today.