[18F] Experiencing arm pain post-physical activity with concurrent nasal congestion

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Overuse Injury: Given the sudden onset of your arm pain during golf, you may have an overuse injury, such as golfer's elbow. This condition is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers, resulting in pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy exercises may also be helpful.

• Musculoskeletal Strain: You might have strained the muscles in your arm during golf, leading to pain and discomfort.

  • Treatment usually involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be helpful.

• Common Cold or Allergies: Your sneezing and nasal congestion could be symptoms of a common cold or allergies. Even though you haven't been exposed to anyone with a cold or flu recently, these viruses can be easily caught from surfaces or the air. Allergies can also develop at any time, even if you haven't been in an environment with known allergens.

  • Treatment for a cold typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter cold remedies. If allergies are the cause, antihistamines may help.

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. These are potential explanations for your symptoms based on the information you've provided, but they're not definitive diagnoses.

What you can do

Here are some steps you can take to manage your symptoms:

1. Rest your arm and avoid activities that cause pain, such as golf.
2. Apply ice to your elbow for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
3. Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, as directed on the package.
4. For your nasal congestion and sneezing, try over-the-counter cold remedies or antihistamines. A nasal spray may also help.
5. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your arm pain becomes severe or unbearable
• You develop a fever, chills, or other signs of infection
• Your nasal congestion and sneezing persist for more than a week, or are accompanied by a high fever or severe facial pain

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.