[47F] With severe arm and wrist pain

Patient Description

A 47-year-old female has been experiencing severe, throbbing, and sharp pain in her arm and wrist for the past 12 days. The pain is constant and exacerbated by any activity or weight-bearing movements. She is unable to move her arm backward, and similar pain is beginning in her other arm. There is numbness in the fingertips of the opposite hand, slight swelling, and redness in the affected arm and wrist. There is no history of injuries, accidents, repetitive activities, or overuse. The patient has not experienced fever, general malaise, joint stiffness, or difficulty moving fingers or wrist. She has no history of arthritis or other joint-related conditions, does not smoke or use alcohol, and is not currently taking any medications. Her past medical history includes ovarian cysts diagnosed in 2002, with no known allergies or adverse reactions to medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, here are some possible explanations for your symptoms:

  • Tendinitis or Bursitis: These conditions involve inflammation of the tendons or bursae (small fluid-filled sacs) around the joints. They can cause pain, swelling, and redness, especially with movement or weight-bearing activities.

    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy are common treatments. In some cases, a doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections.

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it travels through the wrist. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers.

    • Treatment: Wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy can help. Severe cases may require surgical intervention.

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and redness. It can affect multiple joints, including the wrists.

    • Treatment: Medications to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are common treatments.

  • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI): This can occur from repetitive movements or overuse of the arm and wrist, even if you don't recall a specific activity. It can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected area.

    • Treatment: Rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the affected area.

What you can do

While it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment plan, here are some steps you can take to help manage your symptoms:

  1. Rest: Avoid activities that worsen the pain and give your arm and wrist time to heal.
  2. Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and pain.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
  4. Elevation: Keep your arm elevated to help reduce swelling.
  5. Splinting: Consider using a wrist splint to immobilize the area and provide support.
  6. Journal your symptoms: Use MDandMe to track your symptoms, monitor progress, and share detailed notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or worsening pain: If the pain becomes unbearable or continues to worsen despite self-care measures.
  • Signs of infection: Redness, warmth, and swelling that worsen, or if you develop a fever.
  • Numbness or tingling: If these symptoms spread or become more severe.
  • Loss of function: If you have difficulty moving your arm, wrist, or fingers, or if you lose strength in the affected area.

Remember, while these suggestions can help manage your symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

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3 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of arm and wrist pain without a history of injury?

Common causes of arm and wrist pain without a history of injury include conditions like tendinitis, bursitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and repetitive strain injury. These conditions can result from inflammation, nerve compression, or autoimmune responses.

How can I differentiate between carpal tunnel syndrome and tendinitis?

Carpal tunnel syndrome typically causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers, especially the thumb, index, and middle fingers, due to median nerve compression. Tendinitis usually presents as localized pain and swelling around the tendons, often exacerbated by movement or pressure.

What are the initial steps I can take at home to manage arm and wrist pain?

Initial steps to manage arm and wrist pain at home include resting the affected area, applying ice to reduce swelling, taking over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain relief, elevating the arm, and using a wrist splint for support.

When should I seek medical attention for arm and wrist pain?

You should seek medical attention if the pain becomes severe or worsens despite self-care, if there are signs of infection like increased redness, warmth, or fever, if numbness or tingling spreads or intensifies, or if you experience loss of function or strength in the arm or wrist.

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