Arm Injuries and Disorders
Any discomfort or pain felt in the arm refers to as arm pain. It may cause discomfort in the shoulder, elbow, and wrist. Moreover, there are many different reasons why one may have arm injuries. Furthermore, the pain may begin quickly and disappear depending on the reason, or it may develop gradually.
Symptoms
The specific problem will determine the signs and symptoms of common arm injuries and disorders. Typically, you might have:
- Bone ache
- Aching joints
- Also, muscle ache
Additional signs in the afflicted area might be:
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Just a small range of motion
- Warmth and swelling
- If you break a bone, your arm might be significantly damaged.
Types of Arm Injuries
Fractures
Broken bones are fractures. The collarbone is sensitive to touch. Thus, this makes it simple to detect. Furthermore, it is difficult to raise the arm above the head.
Dislocations
This occurs when a bone is forced out of a joint. The most typical type of arm injury in children is a dislocated elbow. It occurs when an adult swiftly lifts a kid by the wrist or hand. Another thing that might trigger it is jerking a child in your direction.
Sprains
Ligament strains and tears refer to as sprains.
Strains
Muscle stretches and tears, such as a pulled muscle, are referred to as strains.
Muscle Overuse
Even without an injury, muscle soreness is possible. There is neither a fall nor an impact. A hurting shoulder is a result of overusing a muscle from hard labor or sports.
Skin Injury
A cut, scratch, scrape, or bruise are a few examples. All are frequent among arm injuries.
Treatments for Arm Injuries
Depending on the origin and extent of your arm injury, many treatments are available for arm injuries. Among them are the following:
Pain medication
Your doctor may prescribe painkillers in some circumstances if the pain in your arm is severe enough.
Anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-inflammatory drugs can help lessen the underlying cause and the accompanying pain in cases of inflammation-related pain. Also, oral, intravenous, and injectable anti-inflammatory medicines are all readily available.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy may be necessary to manage certain arm discomfort, especially if your range of motion is restricted.
Surgery
There may be a requirement for surgery for really bad arm discomfort. Broken bones and damaged ligaments are two examples.
Home Remedies
You can employ a range of remedies at home in addition to the prescription drugs your doctor can give you for arm discomfort. Home treatments for arm discomfort include the following:
Rest
Sometimes, rest is all the body needs. Avoid vigorous exercise and movement in the painful area and give it some rest.
Ice
Injury swelling and inflammation may frequently be reduced by using ice. Apply an ice pack to the sore area for 20 minutes at a time while covering it with a towel. The minimum interval between ice packs is one hour.
Over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers
If your pain is minimal and you do not want to schedule a doctor’s visit, over-the-counter pain relievers can assist. But use these drugs just as directed and no longer.
Compression
An elastic bandage or brace wrapped across the painful area might assist minimize swelling. Also, it prevents you from overextending a joint. This promotes healing.
Elevation
Keep your arm up to lessen discomfort and swelling.
If any of these treatments make your pain worse, stop using them right once and see a doctor.
The Bottom Line
Arm injuries are sometimes unavoidable. You can, however, lessen your chance of getting hurt. When engaging in higher-risk activities, wear appropriate warmth and safety gear. Not working through an injury; taking time to relax or adjust your motions if you experience discomfort.
Also, it is crucial to keep a healthy weight. Furthermore, if you have a particularly large bruise or swelling, or if your discomfort has not improved within three days, call your doctor right away.