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What Could Cause Sudden Weakness In The Left Arm Of A 50-year-old?

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Posted on Wed, 12 Dec 2018
Question: 50 Yr old male, past two months, I have had weakness in my left arm, first noticed right after the holidays, comes and goes, becoming more constant, hurts to pick up a 2 liter of cola, or reach across my desk for my phone. I no problem with my neck and can rotate my shoulder with no pain. so this is very unusual.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please follow up with additional details

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Please follow up with the following additional details so that I can give you a definite answer :
- Are you experiencing weakness or pain in the arm?
- If pain, where is the exact location?
- Do you notice more pain early in the morning?
- Is the pain worsening by activity or inactivity?
- Pain on any other joints in the body? Any joint deformity?
- Any neurological problems like lack of muscle power, loss of sensation, vision changes, dizziness, headache?
- Have you noticed any other concerning symptoms?
- Do you have diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol?
- Are you on any medication?

Awaiting your reply,

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal
General & Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Follow up: Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (9 hours later)
Yes my left arm is in pain from when I get up until I go to bed. Yes the pain increases when I go to lift or pick up something. No there is just pain in the left arm, I do not have diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol. I take I-caps for my eyes, and I watch my diet to control IBS.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Follow up answer

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Possible diagnosis: Bicipital tendinitis
The pain you are experiencing is likely due to Bicipital tendinitis, which is inflamed biceps tendon.
Physical examination, Xray shoulders, and elbows (to rule out joint pathology) is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Please be advised to follow up with your primary provider for necessary evaluation.
Meanwhile, you can take Advil 400 mg up to 4 times a day for pain.
Apply ice pack
Take adequate rest. Do not overuse your affected arm.

Hope this answers your question
Please let me know if you need further clarification
Regards
Dr.Lekshmi
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 3808 Questions

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What Could Cause Sudden Weakness In The Left Arm Of A 50-year-old?

Brief Answer: Please follow up with additional details Detailed Answer: Hello, Please follow up with the following additional details so that I can give you a definite answer : - Are you experiencing weakness or pain in the arm? - If pain, where is the exact location? - Do you notice more pain early in the morning? - Is the pain worsening by activity or inactivity? - Pain on any other joints in the body? Any joint deformity? - Any neurological problems like lack of muscle power, loss of sensation, vision changes, dizziness, headache? - Have you noticed any other concerning symptoms? - Do you have diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol? - Are you on any medication? Awaiting your reply, Regards, Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal General & Family Physician