[48M] Experiencing severe and sudden arm and hand pain

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible explanations for your symptoms include:

• Tendonitis: This is inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. The condition causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint. It can occur in any of your body's tendons, but it's most common around your shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and heels.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

• Bursitis: This is inflammation or irritation of the bursa, a small sac filled with lubricating fluid, located between tissues such as bone, muscle, tendons, and skin. Bursitis can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected joint.

  • Treatment typically involves rest, physical therapy, and medications to reduce pain and inflammation. In severe cases, surgery might be necessary.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a chronic inflammatory disorder that can affect more than just your joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems, including the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

• Gout: This is a common and complex form of arthritis that can affect anyone. It's characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe.

  • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce pain and inflammation, and lifestyle changes to manage triggers.

What you can do

Here are some things you can do to help manage your symptoms:

1. Rest: Try to avoid using your affected hand and arm as much as possible to give them a chance to heal.

2. Ice: Apply an ice pack to the painful areas for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.

3. Over-the-counter pain relievers: Non-prescription medications like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

4. Seek medical attention: It's important to get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan from a healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Here are some signs that you should seek medical attention immediately:

• If your pain or swelling becomes severe or unbearable
• If you develop a fever or chills
• If you notice any redness, warmth, or pus in the affected areas, which could indicate an infection
• If you experience any other new or worsening symptoms

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare provider.