Suggest Treatment For Stiffness And Dull Pain In Hands

Posted on Fri, 21 Aug 2015

Question: I am a 67 yr old female in decent condition. I was on my 4th set of 12 pull ups on level 3 of my total gym when I heard a pop in the left upper arm bicept. A few hours later I was in a lot of pain, but due to a high level tolerance to pain, I waited almost 3 weeks to see Dr. Got a steroid shot, which helped some for about 3 days. Went back 2 weeks later and took the pill pack of steroids and got a CT. Dr. said it's arthritis. Pain is very intense off and on 24/7 and goes up into the clavicle area and sometimes into the mid upper back. Also, it goes down my left arm into the ring and little fingers. However, piercing, intermittent pain is mostly in the bicept and shoulder. This is totally unlike the stiffness and dull pain in my hands when I eat too many nightshade plants (white potatoes in particular). Does it sound as if I should ask for a consult with an expert in this area? I have one more college semester to get through before graduation in Dec. and going on to get my Master's degree and cannot be distracted by all this pain! Thank you for any help you may give to me!

Answered by Dr. Aashish Raghu (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Rupture of long head of biceps tendon

Detailed Answer:
Hi there.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Thanks for the query.

According to the history you have provided you seem to be suffering from rupture of long head of biceps tendon.

This can occur with lifting heavy weights, overuse, older age, steroid shots.

I advise you to apply ice to the painful area and take Tablet Ibuprofen 400mg twice a day for a week. Give rest to your arm. Avoid weight lifting of any sort.

Usually surgery is not required in low demand individuals but athletes who do throwing activities require surgery. The procedure is a key hole arthroscopic repair of the torn tendon back to the shoulder bone.

It is best to consult a Sports Medicine specialist for a thorough examination and necessary investigations like an MRI which will help to diagnose the problem and decide the right treatment.

I hope I have answered your query.

I will be available for follow up queries.

Thanking you.

Regards,

Dr. Aashish Raghu

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

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj