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What Causes Persistent Pain In The Left Arm?
Posted on
Thu, 19 Oct 2017
Thu, 19 Oct 2017
Answered on
Mon, 13 Nov 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, My mother has pain in her left arm since 3 years. It was mild and aggravated during movements. Since 4 months the pain has increased and nowadays when she moves her hand to certain position her arm starting from left shoulder pains a lot. Otherwise there is always a slight persistent pain. She is 51 now. We went to our family doctor. He gave medicines for 10 days and she felt better but when she stopped, the pain again increased. The doctor has told that it may not be heart related and asked to check blood sugar levels. My question is can we rule out heart related issue? What could be the cause and what is the immediate solution?
Brief Answer:
Can be tendonitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the symptoms that you have described, it seems to be Rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder impingement syndrome which causes irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff and the bursa when doing overhead activity and hence pain.
You need to get an MRI scan done which is a more sensitive test for soft tissue and muscular injuries. An Orthopedician is the best person to be consulted.
Any heart issue is not likely but you can get an Echo done to rule this out.
Here are some general treatment measures which you can follow:
1) Provide complete rest and avoid overhead activities.
2) Apply cold compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer after consulting your doctor.
Physiotherapy exercises can help n the long term.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Can be tendonitis.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
From the symptoms that you have described, it seems to be Rotator cuff tendonitis or shoulder impingement syndrome which causes irritation and inflammation of the rotator cuff and the bursa when doing overhead activity and hence pain.
You need to get an MRI scan done which is a more sensitive test for soft tissue and muscular injuries. An Orthopedician is the best person to be consulted.
Any heart issue is not likely but you can get an Echo done to rule this out.
Here are some general treatment measures which you can follow:
1) Provide complete rest and avoid overhead activities.
2) Apply cold compresses and take some anti inflammatory pain killer after consulting your doctor.
Physiotherapy exercises can help n the long term.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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