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Arm Pain

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Treat Arm Pain Today

Arm pain is common and can occur due to an injury, an underlying disease, or a compressed nerve in your neck. If you have ongoing arm pain, it can affect your quality of life.

The experienced team at Source Healthcare in Santa Monica, California specializes in sports medicine and pain management. We can determine the underlying cause of your arm pain, and develop an effective treatment plan to significantly improve or resolve your pain. For a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is Arm Pain and it's Symptoms?

Arm pain is a general term that refers to any uncomfortable sensation you experience in your arm. The pain can appear suddenly or develop slowly over time. In some cases, the pain you feel in your arm may be generating from a condition that affects your spine or neck. Arm pain can manifest in the following ways:

  • A piercing and/or radiating pain in the arm
  • A short and sharp pain in the arm that occurs with movement
  • Arm pain that worsens when you use your arm
  • Severe arm pain after an injury
  • Pins and needles in your arm that don’t subside with movement
  • Pain along with physical changes, such as swelling and a change in the arm shape
  • A persistent dull ache that doesn’t go away after rest

Pay attention to your symptoms. Wait and watch if the symptoms go away with rest. If the pain is constant, comes and goes, or it is intense, seek medical consultation quickly.

How Can I Prevent Arm Pain?

  • Avoid carrying a heavyweight on your shoulders.
  • Be careful when playing sports that require the use of your arms and shoulders.
  • Don’t stack too many pillows under your head when you sleep. It can cause neck pain that radiates down your arm.
  • Be mindful of your posture: sit, stand, and walk without slouching. A good posture is one where you stand upright, and your ears, shoulder, and pelvis are level and in a single line.
  • Do stretching exercises that improve flexibility and range of motion in your shoulder.

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Can I Treat Arm Pain at Home?

If your arm pain is the result of physical exertion, overuse or after playing a sport following a period of inactivity, you can seek relief in the following ways:

  • Rest
  • Take a warm bath or shower
  • Raise your arms when you lie down
  • Heat or cold therapy
  • A pack of ice
  • A gel pack you can freeze or microwave
  • A heating pad
  • Apply a warm or damp washcloth to the sore area

How is Arm Pain Diagnosed?

Due to the variability of potential causes of arm pain, the team at Source Healthcare conducts a comprehensive examination when you come in for an evaluation.

During your exam, our Santa Monica arm pain specialists review your symptoms and medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam.

To confirm or rule out causes of your arm pain, the team may request diagnostic tests such as blood work, X-rays, or an MRI.

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What Are the Treatments for Arm Pain?

Treatment for your arm pain may depend on the underlying cause and the severity of your symptoms. The team at Source Healthcare develops a personalized treatment plan for you to help reduce your pain and possibly resolve the underlying cause.

Treatment options may include:

  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Anti-seizure medication
  • Antidepressants
  • Pain medication
  • Physical therapy

In most cases, the team recommends conservative measures first before more invasive treatments are considered. If you fail to get relief from your arm pain, the team may suggest other treatments such as nerve blocks or stem cell therapy depending on the cause of your pain.
They may also recommend surgery. The type of surgery you need would depend on the cause of your arm pain. For example, you may benefit from a carpal tunnel release if your carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms (numbness and tingling, perhaps even weakness in your hand and fingers) are worsening.

What Are Some of the Causes of Arm Pain?

Arm pain can develop from a range of causes. Some of the most common include:

  • Fractures
  • Dislocations
  • Strains or sprains
  • Tendinitis
  • Tennis elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
  • Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  • Reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD)
  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • A herniated disc in your cervical spine
  • Rotator cuff injury
  • Bursitis

Pain in the left arm may also be a sign of a heart attack. If you suspect your arm pain may be due to a heart attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Our Santa Monica Arm Pain Management Team Provides Exceptional Care

Arm pain can develop from a range of causes. To get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, call Source Healthcare, or book an appointment online today.

310-574-2777

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