How to Treat Arm Pain
Arm pain is typically caused by a rotator cuff injury, shoulder injury, elbow injury, wrist pain or carpal tunnel syndrome. It can also be due to a compressed nerve or restricted blood flow. If you are experiencing arm pain from any of these or other issues it is important to seek treatment advice and determine the cause.
Minor arm pain usually resolves on its own but in some cases the pain may persist and need to be treated. There are a number of natural exercises for arm pain that can help relieve and speed up the healing process.
For starters, it is important to take a break from activities that cause your pain. This can include work or activities that are repetitive such as typing. Try to avoid using your injured arm as much as possible, and use a support wrap or brace to keep your elbow elevated when in use. This will help to reduce swelling and improve your range of motion.
In some cases, your doctor may prescribe pain medication to ease your arm pain. Common over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), are effective in treating pain. Applying an ice pack or bag of frozen peas to the affected area for about 20 minutes at a time three times a day can help to relieve your pain.
Ginger is a great natural anti-inflammatory. It has been known to boost circulation and heal injuries. Taking a few tablespoons of grated ginger and adding it to hot water can make a soothing tea that can be sipped throughout the day. You can also massage your arm with warm sesame mustard or coconut oil, which will help to increase circulation and alleviate your pain.
Getting proper treatment for your arm pain can help you return to your normal activities as quickly as possible and prevent future injury. Make sure to schedule a visit with your doctor if your arm pain does not get better with home care or if you have signs of a more serious condition, such as redness, drainage or fever, suggests the La Clinica.
For more severe arm pain, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to treat the underlying cause of your pain. For example, if you have a herniated disk in your spine you may need surgery to remove the pressure on the nerves or other structures in your neck and upper back that are causing the pain in your arms.
This may be followed by physical therapy to regain your full range of motion and prevent further damage. In some cases, your doctor may suggest a nerve block to reduce the need for surgery, depending on what is causing the pain.
This is usually performed with a local anesthetic to reduce your discomfort. In some cases, your doctor may need to perform a spinal injection to numb the area around the affected nerves. If the injection isn’t successful your doctor may need to consider more invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation.
