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Suggest Remedies For A Pulled Upper Arm Muscle

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Posted on Tue, 14 Jun 2016
Question: Hi, I pulled an upper arm muscle lifting a way too heavy suitcase into my car. I'm a female, 52 years old. I can't lift my arm more than 2 inches out front. I can move from the elbows fine. I feel like a T- Rex on one side, have to keep my left arm hanging down at my side.
Anytime I try to move my arm there's pain. We were at a hotel all weekend, and trying to sleep was awful. Couldn't lay on either side. Could only lay down on my back. My upper arm still hurt, but was the only way to get any sleep.
I have been taking Advil to help for the pain. My teenage daughter had to help me get my bathing suit on for the pool at the hotel, and help me get dressed from the waist up. I went in the pool and the water seemed to help since I could raise my arm to the water level, as my arm was floating. I even swam a little doing the breast stroke, and it felt better for awhile. Still can't lift my arm more than 2 inches on its own once out of the pool though. Have to stop because of the pain.
Does this sound like a sprained or pulled muscle in my upper arm ? What can I do for it? Thank you for your help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can be rotator cuff tear.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The symptoms that you have are likely to be due to a rotator cuff tear or a muscle sprain. You need to give complete rest to the arm and use a broad arm sling during the day. Do consult an orthopedician for physical examination and MRI scan and do get oral muscle relaxants prescribed for relief. Doing a hot compress will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12315 Questions

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Suggest Remedies For A Pulled Upper Arm Muscle

Brief Answer: Can be rotator cuff tear. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The symptoms that you have are likely to be due to a rotator cuff tear or a muscle sprain. You need to give complete rest to the arm and use a broad arm sling during the day. Do consult an orthopedician for physical examination and MRI scan and do get oral muscle relaxants prescribed for relief. Doing a hot compress will also help. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal