Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Severe Upper Left Arm Pain
Question: I have upper left arm pain on top of the arm -my gp got X-rays and said I had mild ac joint arthritis a month ago but I have severe pain when I put on a shirt, and severely limited ROM And cannot reach overhead .
I now tuck in my shirt with my right arm. I think I need an MRI to find out why it is still even tender to touch my outside upper left arm just below the shoulder. My bicep seems ok and I can run if I am careful. I don,t want surgery but I fear it will be necessary as this has not improved at all.
I now tuck in my shirt with my right arm. I think I need an MRI to find out why it is still even tender to touch my outside upper left arm just below the shoulder. My bicep seems ok and I can run if I am careful. I don,t want surgery but I fear it will be necessary as this has not improved at all.
Brief Answer:
Please try physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
As you have said, you need an MRI indeed. X-ray is a very sketchy test good to rule out fractures. But it does not really tell anything about ligaments and other structured which might be the reason.
MRI is just first step. Depending of the results, you may (and should) try intense physical therapy first. In many cases this gives acceptable relief. Only if this fails, surgery should be considered.
It would be good to consult orthopedist, not a gp.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Please try physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
As you have said, you need an MRI indeed. X-ray is a very sketchy test good to rule out fractures. But it does not really tell anything about ligaments and other structured which might be the reason.
MRI is just first step. Depending of the results, you may (and should) try intense physical therapy first. In many cases this gives acceptable relief. Only if this fails, surgery should be considered.
It would be good to consult orthopedist, not a gp.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
