"Why Does My Left Arm Hurt?"
Left Arm Pain Causes and Treatments
The left arm refers to the left limb. Pain in the left arm can be caused by various factors such as muscle strain, injury, myofascialitis, cubital tunnel syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, etc. It is recommended that patients seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and receive appropriate treatment measures under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Muscle Strain
Long-term activities or frequent lifting of heavy objects can cause local soft tissue to exceed its normal load, leading to excessive stretching and resulting in discomfort such as soreness, ache, and pain. Resting more, reducing the frequency of lifting heavy objects, can help improve symptoms.
2. Injury
If the left arm is subjected to direct force impact or compression, capillaries under the local soft tissue may bleed, and tissue fluid may leak out, manifesting as skin bruising, swelling, and edema. Applying ice wrapped in a towel to the affected area within 48 hours can reduce tissue fluid leakage, capillary rupture bleeding, and alleviate swelling. Ice can be applied every 3-4 hours for about 30 minutes each time. After 48 hours, a warm compress with a towel soaked in 40-60°C water can be applied to the affected area to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain. The duration of warm compresses should be controlled at 2-3 times, with a 2-hour interval between each.
3. Myofascialitis
Prolonged exposure to cold or excessive fatigue of the left arm can cause an aseptic inflammatory reaction in the muscle fascia. After exercise, inflammatory factors stimulate local muscles, triggering muscle spasms, soreness, and pain. Resting more and taking medication such as Diclofenac Sodium Sustained-Release Tablets, Etoricoxib Tablets, and Ibuprofen Tablets as prescribed by a doctor can help.
4. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Injuries, arm deformities, or long-term strain can compress the nerve tissue within the elbow joint, causing numbness, pain, and limited mobility. Treatment may involve medications like Mecobalamin Tablets, Prednisone Tablets, and Paracetamol Tablets, administered under medical supervision.
5. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Environmental factors and autoimmune disorders can lead to a synovial inflammatory reaction in the left arm joints, which may affect bone and joint structures, causing joint pain, morning stiffness, and deformities. Treatment may include Celecoxib Capsules, Indomethacin Enteric-coated Tablets, and Prednisone Tablets, administered as prescribed by a doctor. In severe cases, surgical joint correction may be considered to correct deformities and restore joint function.
In daily life, it is essential to adopt healthy lifestyle and sleep habits. Avoid excessive and intense physical activities for extended periods. Instead, opt for low-intensity aerobic exercises like slow walking, strolling, and swimming, which can improve joint function and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints.