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What Causes Pain And Weakness In Forearms And Upper Arm?
Question: I am having a lot of problems with sore lower arms which are weak and I am finding it difficult to lift or carry anything. Also my left upper arm is sore and at the moment I have a chronic pain in my upper left arm. Can you tell me what it might be
Brief Answer:
Many possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
There are a number of causes for pain and weakness in you forearms and pain in your left upper arm.
If we start at the top and work down then compression of the nerve roots in your neck can cause arm pain, weakness and numbness. The pain is typically sharp and shooting in nature. This problem can cause pain in your upper and lower arms depending on which nerve roots are affected. The diagnosis can be made on an MRI scan of your neck.
Shoulder problem can cause upper arm pain. The commonest problem is tendonitis of the rotator cuff muscles around the shoulder. This often responds to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone shots. X-rays, ultrasound scans and MRI scans are useful in diagnosis.
Another common cause of forearm pain and weakness is compression of the ulna nerve at the elbow or the median nerve in the wrist - so called carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain and numbness associated with these condition is often worse at night. Diagnosis can usually be made on physical exam and with nerve conduction studies.
There are many other causes of forearm pain including tendonitis and wrist arthritis. The location of the pain and associated symptoms along with a thorough physical assessment and the appropriate investigations listed about can usually help make the diagnosis.
Best wishes
Many possibilities.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your question.
There are a number of causes for pain and weakness in you forearms and pain in your left upper arm.
If we start at the top and work down then compression of the nerve roots in your neck can cause arm pain, weakness and numbness. The pain is typically sharp and shooting in nature. This problem can cause pain in your upper and lower arms depending on which nerve roots are affected. The diagnosis can be made on an MRI scan of your neck.
Shoulder problem can cause upper arm pain. The commonest problem is tendonitis of the rotator cuff muscles around the shoulder. This often responds to physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication and cortisone shots. X-rays, ultrasound scans and MRI scans are useful in diagnosis.
Another common cause of forearm pain and weakness is compression of the ulna nerve at the elbow or the median nerve in the wrist - so called carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain and numbness associated with these condition is often worse at night. Diagnosis can usually be made on physical exam and with nerve conduction studies.
There are many other causes of forearm pain including tendonitis and wrist arthritis. The location of the pain and associated symptoms along with a thorough physical assessment and the appropriate investigations listed about can usually help make the diagnosis.
Best wishes
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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