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Suggest Remedy For Pain And Bruise On The Shoulder
Posted on
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 27 Jul 2015
Answered on
Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : Due to years of bartending, I have been experiencing rotator cuff pain in my left shoulder for about 10 days. Around the area and a little beyond down my arm towards my chest Red blotches appear every couple of days and the area is always very painful like a bad bruise. Also, hot to the touch. No purple or yellowing of the skin, just red blotches every few days.
Brief Answer:
stop the ice and use heat
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
While ice can help with the pain, it is best only used on acute injuries during the first few hours.
Heat applied 2-4 times a day can increase circulation to the area and speed healing. Ibuprofen may help as well.
If there is a significant amount of pain or weakness you may have a tear or impingement and this may require further investigation.
A doctor will usually send your for an xray first then an MRI if the problem is not found in the xray.
An injection into the joint by an orthopedist may be helpful.
It is also possible that you have thoracic outlet syndrome which is a trapping of the nerve that passes under the collar bone and goes down into the arm. If it get trapped by inflammation or scar tissue it can cause pain in the shoulder and chest wall.
You really need to see a doctor for an exam and probably some testing to get the best diagnosis and treatment.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
stop the ice and use heat
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
While ice can help with the pain, it is best only used on acute injuries during the first few hours.
Heat applied 2-4 times a day can increase circulation to the area and speed healing. Ibuprofen may help as well.
If there is a significant amount of pain or weakness you may have a tear or impingement and this may require further investigation.
A doctor will usually send your for an xray first then an MRI if the problem is not found in the xray.
An injection into the joint by an orthopedist may be helpful.
It is also possible that you have thoracic outlet syndrome which is a trapping of the nerve that passes under the collar bone and goes down into the arm. If it get trapped by inflammation or scar tissue it can cause pain in the shoulder and chest wall.
You really need to see a doctor for an exam and probably some testing to get the best diagnosis and treatment.
I hope you get some relief soon,
Dr. Robinson
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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