Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Arm

Hello,

Pain in the left arm may be due to the following:
1) Cervical spondylitis
2) Cervical radiculopathy
3) Muscle strain
4) Rheumatoid Arthritis
5) Osteoarthritis
6) Brachial plexus injury
7) Cervical disc pain
8) Rotator cuff injury

Treatment depends upon the cause. To those who come to my clinic with similar symptoms, I recommend the following:
1) X-ray cervical spine
2) If necessary MRI cervical spine
3) Pain relieving medications like NSAIDs Ibuprofen or Aceclofenac or Naproxen taken twice daily for 14 days
4) To avoid gastric irritation, tab. Pantop 40 mg is to be taken once daily before food
5) If you have heart problems, NSAIDs are not recommended. You can take opioids like hydrocodone, oxycodone and Tramadol.
6) Tab. Pregabalin 75mg is advised once daily for 1 month.
7) Therapeutic ultrasound can be helpful.
8) Physical therapy to strengthen muscles and relieve pain.

If your pain doesn't subside with the above treatment, please consult an orthopedic surgeon for specific diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist

Hello,

You are 62 yrs old and are having pain in the left arm. The pain persists throughout the day. You have history of breast cancer - right side. Mastectomy and radiation done 18 years ago. You are having pain in the Left arm. You are suggested to get mammogram on the left side done, get clinically examined by a gynecologist / GP or oncologist to detect any secondary manifestation of the malignancy.

Stress and anxiety can also be linked to arm or breast pain. Arm pain can be indicative of angina or other heart conditions, gallstones, pericarditis, pleurisy, or pancreatitis. Your treatment will depend on the pathology detected. Symptoms can also be due to hormonal changes, an ill-fitting bra, or a muscle strain. If neuropathy is detected you will be referred to a Neurologist.

The pain can be due to spread to the lymph nodes, a lump or swelling under your armpit. You should get clinically assessed for swelling in your arm or hand (lymphoedema). The most common symptom of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes is that they feel hard or swollen. Lump in the armpits should be checked, women tend to describe this pain as dull, aching, heavy, or sore, and it can radiate to the armpit or even down the arm.

Left untreated it may cause stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion in your arms and shoulders. Sometimes, it can take months for these complications to appear. You can take acetaminophen, one SOS for relief of pain. You can also apply pain relieving sprays. You are suggested to get stay at rest for a couple of days, if possible take a break from work and just relax. Get treated at the earliest.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician