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What Cause Sudden Rib Pain Under The Left Arm?

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Posted on Tue, 18 Mar 2014
Question: I am recovering from a lower back op. I had sudden onset of rib pain under the left arm overnight the pain was not inside the chest, and was provokable by touch. It moved further down and up, and was spasmodic. I had to breath through my diaphragm . Wife massaged upper left back muscles, took 50 mg diclofenac and 1 g paracetamol. Has settled but is still threatening
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Answered by Dr. Shanthi E (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer: could be acute rib inflammation Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX This could be acute rib inflammation, and nothing else. Your symptoms suggests so. Since, it has settle down now, it is unlikely to be related to heart. For now, I would suggest you to continue the same medications for 2 more days. Hot fomentation or massage locally will help too. You can continue that. If anytime, your pain increases suddenly, with difficulty in breathing, unbearable chest pain, with increased sweating - it is when you need to see a doctor at the earliest. For now, You can wait and watch over this. It should subside in a couple of days. Get well soon.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Shanthi E

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 2482 Questions

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What Cause Sudden Rib Pain Under The Left Arm?

Brief Answer: could be acute rib inflammation Detailed Answer: Hello XXXXXXX This could be acute rib inflammation, and nothing else. Your symptoms suggests so. Since, it has settle down now, it is unlikely to be related to heart. For now, I would suggest you to continue the same medications for 2 more days. Hot fomentation or massage locally will help too. You can continue that. If anytime, your pain increases suddenly, with difficulty in breathing, unbearable chest pain, with increased sweating - it is when you need to see a doctor at the earliest. For now, You can wait and watch over this. It should subside in a couple of days. Get well soon.