Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Left Arm And Shortness Of Breath

Posted on Tue, 9 May 2017

Question: Hello I hope someone can help me out I was working out this's morning and after doing some half push-ups my left arm just around the elbow started to hurt it comes and goes does not radiate no shortness of breath no pains just in that one spot recently quit smoking was a social smoker has been 29 days good blood pressure not overweight hoping this could be something of a pulled muscle

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (57 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Most probably this is a strained muscle. Doesn't appear to be a cardiac pain. Cardiac pain is usually retrosternal and radiates to arm diffusely, not a localized pain, will be associated with sweating, uneasiness etc. Is there is a local pain which increases on application of pressure, if yes it further suggests local problem and not a cardiac one.
You should use diclofenac gel or spray for local application, and if needed otc like tab Ibuprofen 400 or naproxen 250 mg whenever needed upto two times a day along with some antacid like tab pantoprazole or esomeprazole once a day beforebreakfast.
Overall, no need to worry. Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (8 minutes later)

Hello
Thank you for your response I just wanted to make sure or obtain a cardiologist opinion that it is not cardiac related
Thank you

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hi again
To be more assured, you should get ecg and troponin test done. Also, Echocardiography should also be done. If these are normal then probability of it being cardiac is very less.

If all these are test are normals then 1 week after pain is resolved, you should get treadmill test which will evaluate your heart at exercise and stressful state, which will further assure you.

All the best.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Sagar Makode (2 hours later)

Hello
I have had loop ecg ultrasound of heart blood work all done in may 2016 all normal then dec 2016 did echo stress test all normal
Should I still go see my gp and request these tests again I can't see her till tomorrow

Answered by Dr. Sagar Makode (6 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
If you already had stress echo, then it further reduces the possibility of heart as a cause of pain.

In your case, pain doesn't appear to be cardiac and ecg will be enough to rule it out. This is again not an emergency, you can get it done tomorrow.

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj