Arm pain

Arm pain may have much different causes. It can be associated with shoulder pain as the two limbs are interlinked. Obviously the arm is of the most used limbs and takes a lot of stress and strain over the years. The causes of this are usually very obvious and easy to diagnose. It can be due to carrying to heavy an item or being generally out of shape whilst taking up fitness and sports. The pain may be instantaneous or it can be felt a few hours or days later.
Usually the prognosis is very good and a full recovery ensues.

Left arm pain.

Left arm pain can be a symptom of a heart attack. It is a shooting pain with a numb feeling. This is accompanied with either extreme pain in the chest or a pain that is feels more like indigestion, in this case this can also be followed by shortness of breath and nausea.

Why does pain radiate to the left arm in heart attacks?

Heart attacks are more common in winter. This is because we tend to exert ourselves more during the winter months. What might seem like the pain of a pulled muscle might actually be a heart attack.

Breast and underarm pain.

This type of pain is generally more common in females and can be linked to either pre menstrual pain or to mastitis which is an inflammation of the breast tissue.

Menstruation in a woman’s breasts

Prior to menstruation a woman’s breasts can feel lumpy and tender and pain in this area can be quite acute and severe.

Breast feel full and tender?

This type of pain is usually linked to hormonal changes in the body causing raised levels of oestrogen in the blood which causes water retention making the breast feel full and tender. Once menstruation has passed this type of pain usually disappears however if it persists consult your doctor.

Mastitis caused by breast feeding?

Mastitis is often caused by breast feeding and is caused by bacteria entering the body through small cracks in the nipple. The breast itself becomes red and painful and in some cases abscesses may form in the breast which can lead to fever.

Treatment for Mastitis

Treatment for this type of pain involves the emptying of any milk found within the breast by either breastfeeding or expressing. Antibiotic tablets will be prescribed to clear up the bacterial infection. If however abscesses have resulted then surgery may be the only option available in order to clear the breast.

Cracked nipple pain

Cracked nipples can be cleared up using special creams aimed for this purpose and these can be found at most pharmacies. Vitamin E cream can also be used to alleviate this problem.

The symptoms of arm pain are varied and can range from:-

1. Arm weakness
2. Your arm is numb
3. Stiff arm
4. Cold feeling sensation

The treatments for arm pain are:-

1. Resting of arm in splint or cast.
2. Medications which can usually be bought over the counter such as ibuprofen or similar
3. Occupational therapy
4. Physical therapy
5. Surgery in extreme cases
6. General rest and relaxation

First sign of a heart attack or stroke?

If pain is felt in the arm or shoulder very suddenly and with no apparent reason then this should not be taken lightly and you should visit your doctor. It may be the first signs of a heart attack or stroke.