Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Arm

Posted on Fri, 16 Dec 2016

Question: I am 71 years old, and I have a dull pain in my left arm. I have had this pain on and off for a couple weeks, but it is more intense this evening. Should I be concerned?

I also took an 80mg aspirin, which I also take daily.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Considerations.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the query.

If there is no obvious recent injury or good explanation for why you would have musculoskeletal pain in your arm then I think this should be evaluated as soon as possible by your doctor.

My concern is that your left arm pain may reflect cardiovascular disease and possibly coronary artery disease. Narrowing of the coronary arteries of your heart can lead to a heart attack or ischemia which is a condition where your heart muscle lacks adequate blood supply and oxygen. This can lead to gradual damage of your heart muscle.

Sometimes, left arm pain, jaw pain or chest pain can be indicators of underlying cardiac disease.

I would recommend you contact your doctor for an evaluation as soon as possible. If your doctor cannot see you right away then I would recommend you have this evaluated at your nearest hospital.

Blood tests, EKG and possibly a stress test may help your doctors find out if you may have a cardiac issue.

Thanks again for the query.

Sincerely,

Dr Galamaga

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. REMY KOSHY