What Causes Soreness In Left Arm?

Brief Answer:
Too early to bother much, local creams, drug, massaging, watchful, see dr

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for the query,

I think there a few things that need to be clarified and may be before getting some blood tests done.

Is this the first time you are experiencing this or it is recurrent? I really do not think this should be serious in case other signs and symptoms like permanent intense pain, redness and swelling are not seen.

To attribute the pain directly to your reading position or sitting on a draft: The pain should be decreasing in intensity with time in case you do not assume the same position again, there should be a position that makes you feel better.

In case the pain remains permanent, with no real position reducing its intensity, it might be of interest getting something extra done first.

Physiotherapy and the massaging you have been doing is of course helpful. However, topical anti inflammatory creams and some pain killers and muscle relaxants could be useful. It is however important to know if you have any past history of gastric ulcers or peptic ulcer disease as some of these medicines could irritate the stomach. If not, starting with topical Diclofenac creams and orally could be a good starting point. This is generally over the counter with help from your pharmacist.

In case this persists, it might require blood tests to know the intensity of inflammation. A simple test called an erythrocyte sedimentation rate could then be done. I do not however think we should think that far for now. Exercise, massaging, topical creams as indicated above and simple oral Diclofenac or Ibuprofen in appropriate doses ( especially if you are gastric/peptic ulcer free) could be a good starting point.

Iin case this persists, you might then need to see your family physician. For now, too early to worry so much.

Kind regards as I wish you the best of health.

Dr Bain

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