Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Suggest Treatment For Soreness In The Upper Right Arm
Question: A couple of days ago, I started to experience soreness in my upper right arm. I thought it was just muscle soreness and did not pay much attention to it; however, it has progressively gotten worse. Now, it is a constant pain that is felt even when I don't move my arm and radiates from my right shoulder to my elbow. I would give it a 6 on a scale of 1 to 10. I have tried to pinpoint the exact area that is the source of the pain by pressing with my fingers all over my right upper arm. The pain seems to get worse when I push on the area around the back side of my shoulder and down toward my armpit. When I push on this area, the pain escalates to a 7.5 on a scale of 1 to 10. The pain is not sharp, but rather steady and bothersome. I just tried to bend down a pick up a pile of laundry from the floor and that escalated the pain in my right arm. So I scooped the laundry up with my left arm. As best as I can tell there is no swelling or bruising. I can not think of anything I have done within the last few days to cause this pain. No exercise, lifting heavy items, etc. Also, I have not taken any pain relievers yet. Does this sound like a blood clot to you?
Brief Answer:
sounds more like soft tissue injury
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
let me start by answering your direct question first. It doesn't sound like a blood clot. Although thrombosis may be 'hidden' sometimes (without any visible sign), we usually expect local warmth and swelling. The veins of the affected extremity peripheral to the blood clot may become more prominent compared to the other extremity.
Besides that thrombosis requires a cause. Upper extremity thrombosis is even more difficult to occur. Patients with such thrombotic incidents usually have a long history of thrombosis or tumors.
The most likely cause is soft tissue injury. Worsening of the pain with certain moves is confirmatory. Sometimes the patient may have no memory of the injury.
An orthopedics specialist should locate the painful tissue and order appropriate tests (if needed). If this is indeed the case then rest and NSAID may help. Avoid moves that cause pain until you see your doctor.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
sounds more like soft tissue injury
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
let me start by answering your direct question first. It doesn't sound like a blood clot. Although thrombosis may be 'hidden' sometimes (without any visible sign), we usually expect local warmth and swelling. The veins of the affected extremity peripheral to the blood clot may become more prominent compared to the other extremity.
Besides that thrombosis requires a cause. Upper extremity thrombosis is even more difficult to occur. Patients with such thrombotic incidents usually have a long history of thrombosis or tumors.
The most likely cause is soft tissue injury. Worsening of the pain with certain moves is confirmatory. Sometimes the patient may have no memory of the injury.
An orthopedics specialist should locate the painful tissue and order appropriate tests (if needed). If this is indeed the case then rest and NSAID may help. Avoid moves that cause pain until you see your doctor.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
