How to cure muscle pain in the upper arm?

If you have pain in the upper arm and searching for How to cure muscle pain in the upper arm? – various treatment option we discuss in this article.

Upper Arm pain is defined as discomfort & pain experienced anywhere throughout the arm.
This pain is leading to in the wrist, elbow & shoulder joints. This Arm pain occurs due to a variety of causes. The most common causes of muscle pain are injury & overuse. Depending on the cause, this is produced to symptoms. this pain is relieved by pain medication, RICE principle & physiotherapy treatment.

What is the upper arm?

• The upper arm is located between the shoulder joint & elbow joint.
• It contains four muscles – three in the anterior compartment = biceps brachii, coracobrachialis, brachialis, & one in the posterior compartment = triceps brachii.

What are the Causes of upper arm pain?

• Pinched nerves:
• These Pinched nerves occur when a nerve is a too much pressure on the nerve due to surrounding cartilage, tendons, bones & muscle

• Sprains:
• Sprain means occur to stretching & tearing of the ligaments & tendons.
• This is a common injury.

• Tendonitis:
• Tendonitis means occurs to inflammation in the tendon.
• This tendonitis commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows & wrist joints.
• Tendonitis is vary from mild to severe.

• Rotator cuff injury:
• These occur when the people perform overhead motions in the daily life, like painters & baseball players.

• Broken bones:
• Broken & fractured bones produce immense, sharp pain in the arm

• Rheumatoid arthritis:
• It is a chronic disorder that is occurred by to inflammation that primarily affects the joints.

• Angina:
• It is chest pain that occurs when the heart is not getting enough oxygen.
• It produces pain in the arm & shoulder as well as produces pressure in the chest, neck & back.
• Angina often indicates an underlying heart problem.

• Heart attack:
• It occurs when the blood can’t get to the heart due to a blockage which is cutting off the heart’s oxygen supply.

What are the Symptoms of the upper arm muscle injury?

• The symptoms of this injury depend on the cause of the pain.
• You are seen to have redness & swelling in the arm.
• You are also feeling stiffness in the muscle.
• Tingling & numbness is also felt in the muscle pain.
• In the patient presents the visible deformity
• You feel shortness of breath & dizziness.
• You also feel chest pain & pressure
• You also feel Weakness & Stiffness in the arm.
• In the area of pain, some tender points mean tenderness is also present.

What is Diagnosis of the arm pain?

• First, the doctor needs to diagnose the underlying cause of the pain which is to treat it.
• It is first to conduct a history & physical exam, asking them about the activity, potential injuries & symptoms.
• Based on the symptoms, the do y ctor is to do the following tests which are helpful to the doctor make to a diagnosis.
• The doctor asks you about the arms & does other simple motions which are used to evaluate the ROM = range of motion.
• This is helpful to doctors for identify the location & cause of potential injuries & pain.

Some diagnostic tests for diagnosis:

• Blood tests :
• This test helps to doctor for detecting some conditions which are produced arm pain, like diabetes & certain conditions which produce inflammation of the joints.

• X-rays :
• This test helps the to doctor diagnose broken/fractured bones.

• If the doctor thinks the arm pain is associated with the potential heart complications, they are ordered some tests to evaluate how to heart is working & evaluate the blood flow through the heart.

• Ultrasounds :
• This test is used for high-frequency sound waves which get an image of the inside of the body.
• This test helps to doctor detect the problems with joints, ligaments & tendons.

• In some cause, the doctor orders MRI & CT scans which get a more detailed image of soft tissue & bones.
• It helps them detect problems.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging – MRI :
• This test uses a magnetic field & radio waves which are created to detailed images of areas of the body.

• Nerve Conduction Study :
• This test procedure measures the nerve impulses when a small amount of the electrical current is applied so that it is detected to damaged nerves.

• Electromyography – EMG :
• This test involves inserting a needle electrode into muscles which is measure electrical activity, which is help to detect the damage to the nerves leading to muscles.

In which condition need an emergency?

• Most of the time arm pain is not a sign of a medical emergency.
• In many cases, you can treat arm pain with home remedies.
• But in some cases, you should get to emergency medicine in some cases.

• You must call to 911 immediately if you suspect a heart attack & or another heart condition that is produced by arm pain.

• Contact to doctor when you feel a Pain that occurs with the exertion & relieved by rest it is indicated to reduce blood flow to the heart.
• If you feel to Severe pain & swelling
• When occur to any Sudden injury
• If you feel Difficulty in moving/rotating the arm

Which condition occurs with the arm pain?

• Carpal tunnel syndrome :
• A common condition that is caused by repetitive movements in the hands, wrists & fingers.
• This condition is lead to tingling, numbness & weakness in the arms, palms & fingers

• Tennis elbow:
• It Is also known as lateral epicondylitis.
• It is a common condition that is produced by repetitive movements in the arms, elbows & mostly the wrists.
• Which is lead to pain & weakness in the elbow joint or forearm, along with tenderness on the outside of the elbow joint.

• Frozen shoulder:
• It is also known as adhesive capsulitis.
• It is a less common condition that tends to affect adults ages 40 to 60.
• Which is produced in pain & limited ROM – range of motion when the connective tissue around the shoulder joint becomes too thickened & inflamed.

• Deep vein thrombosis:
• When a form of blood clot forms in a deep vein of the arm, which is produce swelling & extreme pain in the arm.

What are Treatments for arm pain?

RICE principle :

In the starting phase of muscle, a pain doctor is an advice to you RICE principle as home remedies & primary treatment.

• R – Rest = When you feel pain, all the body needs to rest so that do the Rest of the area in pain & avoid strenuous exercise or movement.
• I – Ice = When you apply Ice on the injuries it helps you reduce the swelling & inflammation when Use an ice pack always covered in a towel, for 20 minutes at a time on the painful area, Wait for at least an hour between the ice packs.
• C – Compression = Wrapping the area where you’re experiencing pain with an elastic bandage & brace which helps you reduce the swelling & prevent you from extending a joint too far & encouraging healing.
• E – Elevation = Must be Keep the arm elevated to help reduce the swelling & pain.

Pain medication:

• In some cases, pain in the arm is severe enough that the doctor prescribes pain medication.
• You can take to Anti-inflammatory medications mainly Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) release to muscle pain.
• If the pain occurs due to inflammation take to anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids which help you reduce the underlying cause & the subsequent pain.
• These Anti-inflammatory drugs are available as oral medications, injections & intravenous medications.
• You can also take to OTC pain medications like aspirin/ibuprofen

Surgery:

• In severe cases of arm pain, surgery is necessary.
• Examples include torn ligaments & broken bones.
• In Carpal tunnel syndrome, the benefit is from surgery which relieves pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament which is pressed against both.
• Tendinitis benefit from surgical & nonsurgical procedures, including minimally invasive which is ones designed to stimulate healing & remove scar tissue, as well as do the direct surgical repair of a tendon injury.

What is physiotherapy treatment for upper arm pain?

The physiotherapy treatment includes to massage, electrotherapy, stretching & exercise are included.

Massage :

• If in the patient presents tender points & trigger points of muscle pain, the therapist is advised to massage the patient.
• Massage is applied with the help of oil on the trigger points for 5 to 10 minutes.
• This massage is applied in a circular motion.
• This massage is reduce swelling & tender muscle pain.

Electrotherapy treatment :

In the electrotherapy treatment include SWD, TENS, IFT, US machine for release to muscle pain & swelling.

• When the present to any muscle tender points of muscle pain use US = ultrasound therapy for 5 to 10 minutes release to muscle pain & swellings.
• For release to pain & swellings therapist is advised to you Short wave diathery (SWD), Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and Interferential therapy (IFT) machines for 10 minutes on the area of pain.

Stretching :

Stretching is helpful to you for releasing the muscle tightness & muscle pain.

1. Shoulder stretching
2. Triceps stretching
3. Neck stretching
4. Across-the-chest stretch
5. Doorway shoulder stretch
6. Seated twist

Shoulder stretching:

• The patient is In a sitting & standing position, cup the elbow joint with the opposite hand.
• Lift the elbow joint & pull it across the chest without rotating the body.
• Hold this stretching position for 30 seconds, feeling the tension in the shoulder joint.
• Then Remove the hold & relax, after that repeat this stretching with the next arm.
• Continue this stretching in 3 repetitions with each arm.

Triceps stretching :

• The patient is In a sitting & standing position, lift one arm above the head & bend it so that reaches towards the back, behind the head.
• With the help of the opposite hand, gently push back against the bent elbow joint.
• Hold this stretching for 30 seconds & feeling the stretch in the tricep.
• Remove the hold & relax, then repeat this stretching with the opposite arm.
• Continue these stretching for3 repetitions in each arm.

Neck stretching:

• The patient is In a sitting & standing position, but the back up nice & straight, facing forward.
• Then Tilt the head to one side, as if they going to put the ear on the shoulder, but don’t move the shoulder joint.
• Must be Kept the joint relaxed.
• Hold this stretching for 30 seconds.
• Remove the hold & relax, then repeat this stretching on the other side.
• Continue this stretching for 3 repetitions, on each side.

Across-the-chest stretch:

• The patient is in a sitting or standing position.
• Bring the right arm across the chest.
• Then Place the arm in the crease of the left elbow joint & use the left hand to support the arm.
• Hold this stretching position for up to 1 minute.
• Then Repeat this stretching on the opposite side.
• This stretches each side 3 times.
• To deepen the stretch, lift the arm to shoulder height.

Doorway shoulder stretch:

• The patient is Stand in a doorway with the elbow joint & arms forming a 90-degree angle.
• Step the right foot forward as the patient press the palms into the sides of the door frame.
• Lean forward & engage the core.
• Hold this stretching position for up to 30 seconds.
• Then Repeat the stretch with the left foot forward.
• Do this stretching each side 2–3 times.

Seated twist:

• The patient is sitting in a chair with the ankles directly under the knees.
• Twist the upper body to the right, bringing the back of the left hand to the thigh.
• Place the right hand down because it is comfortable.
• Hold this stretching position for up to 30 seconds.
• Then Repeat this stretching on the left side.
• Do this stretching each side 3–5 times.

Exercise:

Exercise helps you reduce muscle pain & muscle weakness.

1. Neck release
2. Chest expansion
3. Eagle arms spinal rolls
4. Shoulder circles
5. Downward Dog Pose
6. Child’s Pose
7. Thread the needle
8. Arm circles
9. Eagle Pose

Neck release:

• The patient is in a sitting or standing position.
• Lower the chin toward the chest.
• You will feel a stretch along the back of the neck.
• Gently tilt the head to the left to stretch the right shoulder.
• Hold this exercise position for up to 1 minute.
• Then Repeat this exercise on the opposite side.
• Do this exercise on each side 10 times.

Chest expansion:

• While standing position, hold an exercise band, strap & towel behind the back with both hands.
• Broaden across the chest as the move your shoulder blades toward each other.
• Lift the chin & look up toward the ceiling.
• Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
• Then Repeat this exercise 10 times.
• For the deep stretch, place the hands closer together along with the towel & strap.

Eagle arms spinal rolls:

• In the sitting position, extend the arms out to the sides.
• Cross the elbow joint in front of the body with the right arm on top.
• Bend the elbow joint & placing the backs of the forearms & hands together.
• Reach the right hand around to bring the palms together.
• Hold this position for upto15 seconds.
• On an exhale time, roll the spine as the draw the elbow joint in toward the chest.
• On an inhale, open the chest & lift the arms.
• Continue this exercise movement for 1 minute.
• Then Repeat on the opposite side.

Shoulder circles:

• The patient is Stand with the left hand on the back of a chair.
• Then Allow to right hand to hang down.
• Circle this right hand 5 times in each direction.
• Repeat this exercise on the opposite side.
• Do this exercise 2–3 times per day.

Downward Dog Pose:

• Start with the hands & knees.
• Press into the hands to lift the hip joint toward the ceiling.
• Then Maintain a slight bend in the knee joint patient press the weight evenly into your hands & feet.
• Must be Keep the spine straight, bring the head toward the feet so that the shoulders are flexed overhead.
• Hold this exercise pose for up to 1 minute.
• Repeat several times in the day.

Child’s Pose:

• First, achieve to Downward Dog Pose, bring the big toes together & knees are slightly wider than the hip joint.
• Sink the hips back onto the heels & extend the arms in front of the body.
• Then Allow the chest to fall heavy toward the floor, relaxing the spine & shoulders.
• Must be Stay in this pose for up to 5 to 10 minutes.

Thread the needle:

• Start this pose on the hands & knees.
• Lift the right hand toward the ceiling with the palm facing away from the body.
• Lower the arm to bring it under the chest & over to the left side of the body with the palm facing up.
• Then Activate the right shoulder & arm to avoid collapsing into this area.
• Must be Keep the left hand on the floor for support & lift the hand toward the ceiling or bring it around to the inside of the right thigh.
• Hold this exercise position for up to 30 seconds.
• Then relax in Child’s Pose before repeating this stretch on the left side.

Arm circles:

• The patient is Standing up straight with the feet hip-width apart.
• Then Raise the arms & extend them to the side & creating a T shape with the body.
• Try to make small circular motions with the arms.
• Repeat this exercise 10–15 times & switch the direction of rotation.

Eagle Pose:

• While the standing & sitting position then extends the arms to the sides.
• Then Cross the arms in front of the body, with the right arm over the left.
• Bend both the arms at the elbows.
• Twist the right forearm behind the left forearm & bring the palms together.
• Then Gently raise the arms upward to stretch the shoulders.
• Hold this position for up to 30 seconds.
• Then Lower the arms & gently release the position.

What are the Complications of Arm Pain?

• When you feel Aches & pains in the arm, shoulder & wrist join which it becomes difficult to write, type, talk on the phone, or go about your daily activities.

• If left undiagnosed and untreated, some types of injuries and inflammation may lead to serious tissue damage that requires surgery or other extensive treatment.

What is Prevention for arm pain?

• In many cases, arm pain occurs due to a preventable injury & condition.
• So that You can follow to prevent injury & arm pain:
• You must stretch regularly, particularly before the exercise.
• Always do the correct form for the exercises which are performed to prevent the injury
• Always wear protective equipment while playing sports.
• Lift the heavy objects carefully.