Suggest Treatment For Inflammation And Strained Left Pectoral Muscle

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 Answered on

Thu, 11 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : About two months ago I strained my left pectoral muscle and there was inflammation where the pectoral muscle meets the armpit. It has been two months and have seen a doctor and he can't really feel any lumps, but when he presses on that region it is painful. It has been over two months and the swelling has gone down, but the pain is still there if you press on it and there is mild swelling.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Could be partial rupture of tendon,will heal but takes time

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for posting
I have gone through your query and understand your concern. Based on the description it could well be the tendon injury (partial ruptured).To confirm MRI is the best investigation. Most of the time they heal of its own with time.
To help you further, please tell me how it has affected your routine life?

You may take help from physiotherapist for early healing and pain relief. Meanwhile, you may do hot water fomentation, Ibuprofen on as and when required basis.
Looking forward to your reply.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (14 minutes later)

Thank you for the information. The details of how the injury happened are as follows. At the beginning of Sept 2014 I lifted a heavy kyak quickly and felt a sharp burning feeling through my right pectoral muscle region, radiating from the armpit a down across my chest. For a few weeks it was very painful if I sat up in bed (sit up motion) and had noticeable swelling. I did not think much of it and continued to golf and play hockey with a few workout sessions mixed into my routine. When it did not seem to be getting better, I went to my family Doctor. The blood work and ultra sound came back normal. I stayed away from sports for the last 3 weeks and noticed improvement, but if you press just above the left nipple area close to the edge of my pectoral muscle (before the armpit) it is tender and sore, but this increases with activity and decreases if left alone.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Muscle Insult/injury is the visible cause

Detailed Answer:
Hello
It's good to see you
You are welcome. Going by your detail description of injury it is a clear case of muscle injury in that painful area and it normally heal by fibrous tissue. This gives an abnormal feel and painful when stress is applied. I am hopeful of improvement with the treatment as discussed earlier.
Hope this suffices.
Take care

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (3 days later)

My ultrasound came back negative, but it is very tender if pushed on the left side about and inch away from my nipple.
My concern is that my sister just battled breast cancer, and I am extra sensitive to the fact that this injury seems to be taking so long to heal.
I am going for an MRI, but is could be a few months before I get a date and I want to gain some re-assurance around why this seems to be an ongoing tender area.
Any insight would be much appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is a muscle injury as reports are normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello
You are welcome.
Based on the whole discussion which we have till now it does not looks to be serious tissue (breast cancer). All it looks to be because of muscle injury,as the reports are NORMAL.
You do not have any sign of-weight loss and loss of appetite?
You may visit the local doctor and get examined for any lump in the axilla or any where else before you get MRI done.I am sure,everything will be normal.
Please revert back with the MRI report.
Dr.chugh
http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar