What Causes Radiating Pain From Shoulder To Elbow?

Posted on Sat, 22 Aug 2015

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

Sat, 22 Aug 2015 Answered on

Fri, 11 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a relatively sharp pain from the top and front front of my shoulder down through my elbow when I pick up things (like a pitcher). There is no pain when I'm not using my arm. Causes?

Answered by Dr. Pankaj Borade (6 hours later)

Brief Answer:
inflamatory condition

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to HCM
We need to consider conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, capsulitis, brachial plexus injury, etc. All these conditions can present with similar presentations.

One need to consider presence of associated factors such as..
Is it associated with fever?
is there tenderness over shoulder? if yes, then how severe, associated with swelling?
How did the problem start? sudden onset or gradual?
Is the pain episodic? is it for the for the first time you having it?
what factors or activities aggravate the pain? what relieves the pain?

An X ray shoulder is essential in differentiating the condition, hence strongly recommended.
On provisional basis it is suggestible to use over the counter drugs like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, etc for pain as needed.

A consultation to orthopedician is suggested.

Kindly follow with information on above questions.

Regards,
Dr Pankaj

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar