Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Pain In Forearm From Elbow Down, Hand Pain, Elbow Tender. Suggestion?
I have had a pain in my left forearm from the elbow down. At first it seemed as it was in the muscle and when I picked anything up the pain went all the way down and into my hand. The bone on the outside of my elbow is also very tender. Driving is very uncomfortable as the arm is not in a relaxed position. I have not bumped it and am curious as to what you might think.
Tue, 8 Oct 2013
Hi, thanks for writing to HCM.
Based on the description of your symptoms, the pain could be originating either from the soft tissues (preferably muscles) or from the bone. Generally, pain originating from the muscles will be sharp and is exacerbated by movements involving them whereas pain or bony origin will be dull aching and is constant without any relation to the movements.
An xray of the involved area will show up any bony pathology and an MRI scan is needed to pickup any soft tissue lesions.
I suggest you to consult an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
In the meantime,
- Take Rest and do not do activities that cause pain till the acute pain subsides
- Apply ice or a cold pack to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve pain
- Use heat only when you are returning to physical activity. Then use it before stretching. Gentle heating can help loosen the muscle
- When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching exercises. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeat 6 times.
- Physical therapy may speed up the recovery process. Therapeutic modalities such as Ultrasound, Massaging and specific exercises will be helpful.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
Based on the description of your symptoms, the pain could be originating either from the soft tissues (preferably muscles) or from the bone. Generally, pain originating from the muscles will be sharp and is exacerbated by movements involving them whereas pain or bony origin will be dull aching and is constant without any relation to the movements.
An xray of the involved area will show up any bony pathology and an MRI scan is needed to pickup any soft tissue lesions.
I suggest you to consult an orthopedic surgeon for further evaluation and management.
In the meantime,
- Take Rest and do not do activities that cause pain till the acute pain subsides
- Apply ice or a cold pack to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes, 4 times a day for several days. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) to help relieve pain
- Use heat only when you are returning to physical activity. Then use it before stretching. Gentle heating can help loosen the muscle
- When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching exercises. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeat 6 times.
- Physical therapy may speed up the recovery process. Therapeutic modalities such as Ultrasound, Massaging and specific exercises will be helpful.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Tennis elbow
Loading Online Doctors....