Arm pain is usually not a sign of a serious problem, especially when it is mild and appears gradually, being in most cases related to changes in muscles or tendons, due to excessive exercise or injury.
To be able to identify what is causing the symptom, one must observe when the pain in the forearm appeared, its intensity and if it improves or worsens with rest. If the pain is very severe, comes on suddenly or is accompanied by other more serious symptoms, such as dizziness or shortness of breath, it is important to go to the hospital or see a doctor. Furthermore, check this article right here to know more in detail about forearm pain cause.
The following are main causes of arm pain:
- Muscle strain
The signs and symptoms of a muscle strain in the arm are localized pain over the muscle, which usually arises after a fall, stroke, or exertion at the gym. The region may still spin a little swollen, but this is not always noticeable.
What to do: during the first 48 hours it may be useful to put a cold compress on the site of the pain, and after this period it is more appropriate to place a warm compress, for 20 minutes, 1 or 2 times a day. Applying an anti-inflammatory ointment can also help.
- Tendonitis
Arm pain can also be a sign of tendonitis, a situation that mainly affects teachers, servants, painters or people who have a profession in which they need to raise their arm several times a day or making very repetitive movements.
The pain may be located closer to the elbow or shoulder, but it is also common for it to radiate down the arm.
What to do: placing a cold compress, with crushed ice, is a good option to fight pain. Physiotherapy is also a good option for persistent pain, which lasts for more than 1 month.