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Severe left arm pain
My mom is experiencing left arm pain since last 5days.pain starting from shoulder upto elbow.paim increasing when arm putting down
Small Brown color bruise is there on forearm No pain when lying down on bed and morning time.
Left arm pain persisting for 4–5 days should not be ignored, especially in this age group. Although symptoms may be musculoskeletal (shoulder strain/rotator cuff injury), it is very important to rule out cardiac causes. Immediate evaluation should include ECG, cardiac enzymes (Troponin) if chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating or nausea are present, and a 2D-Echo if required. An X-ray of the left shoulder and cervical spine are advised to check for arthritis, nerve compression or soft-tissue injury. The small brown bruise could be a minor hematoma from unnoticed trauma. Until evaluation, avoid heavy lifting, keep the arm supported, and use simple analgesics only under medical advice.
If pain is associated with chest pain, jaw pain, sweating, or dizziness → go to emergency immediately.
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Give complete rest to the arm – do not lift anything heavy.
Make a simple arm sling: tie the arm with a dupatta/scarf around the neck so the arm stays supported near the chest. This alone will reduce the pain a lot.
Ice pack: Wrap ice in a cloth and apply on the shoulder and upper arm for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times a day.
Pain medicine (only if she has taken them before and has no allergy/stomach ulcer/kidney problem):
→ Tablet Combiflam or Zerodol-P or Flexon – 1 tablet twice a day after food for 2–3 days.
Do NOT do hot water bag or massage with oil right now.
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A series of further investigation and detailed history is required for evaluation.A picture could be more helpful.History of trauma ,allergy and drug history is required. You can consult me through practo.
Next Steps
Detailed analysis, imaging and investigation required
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Based on the pattern of your mother’s symptoms, the pain location, the age group, and the fact that it worsens when the arm is lowered, I am considering three major diagnostic possibilities — each with a characteristic clinical pattern. Let me explain them clearly so we can pinpoint the exact cause.” before that
I have to ask few questions
Get in touch with me
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Most likely causes (based on pattern):
1) Shoulder tendinitis / rotator cuff strain – Pain increases when arm hangs down, better in morning/lying down.
2) Minor muscle strain – Especially with a bruise on forearm.
3) Biceps tendinitis – Pain from shoulder to elbow.
Red flags NOT suggested here: No numbness, no chest pain, no weakness → heart-related pain unlikely.
What to do
Rest the arm, avoid lifting.
Warm compress 2–3 times/day.
Topical gel: Diclofenac gel 3–4 times/day.
Oral pain relief: Paracetamol if needed.
Check neck—sometimes cervical spondylosis causes similar pain.
When to worry
If numbness/tingling, increasing weakness, or severe swelling appears.
If pain persists >7–10 days → get shoulder X-ray or USG shoulder.
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The pattern of your mother’s pain suggests a musculoskeletal or nerve-related cause, not a heart problem. Pain that starts from the shoulder and goes down to the elbow, becomes worse when the arm is hanging down, and improves when lying in bed or in the morning is typical of shoulder muscle strain, cervical nerve irritation, or mild tendon inflammation. The small brown bruise on the forearm is likely from a minor unnoticed injury and is not dangerous unless it becomes larger or painful.
Because the pain is position-dependent and not associated with chest discomfort, breathlessness, sweating, or weakness, it does not fit the pattern of cardiac pain. Most likely causes include:
Rotator cuff strain
Shoulder tendonitis
Cervical radiculitis (pinched nerve in the neck)
Simple muscle overuse or sleeping in an awkward position
Next Steps
Apply a warm compress to the shoulder 2–3 times a day.
Use a topical gel (diclofenac gel) gently over the painful area.
A short course of a mild pain-reliever like paracetamol if needed.
Avoid lifting weight or overhead activities for a few days.
Gentle shoulder and neck stretching can help reduce stiffness.
Health Tips
Kindly seek a doctor’s examination
If pain increases rather than improves after 3–5 days
there is swelling, redness, or spreading bruising
If the hand becomes numb or weak, pain becomes severe. Good luck!
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Hello the pain in left hand either can be a muscular pain or in some cases radiating pain from heart but as you say pain increasing on movement of the arm then it is highly suggestive towards muscular pain
Next Steps
To rule out heart involvement get an ecg done
Health Tips
Kindly take FLEXON MR twice a day
Rabepep 20
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