Muscle pain can be a debilitating condition that affects people of all ages. If you are experiencing what looks to be muscle pain in your upper extremities, know that this is a very common result of overuse. Starting from your shoulder down to your hand are joints that are frequently in use daily. As a result, pain in this region is highly common but not normal.
It is important to understand when to see an orthopedic doctor to prevent the problem from worsening and to avoid complications. After all, you want to retain the use of your arms for as long as possible. This article will provide information on when it is necessary to see an orthopedic doctor for muscle pain.
Upper Extremity Muscle Pain: Signs It’s Time To Seek Help
To determine whether or not you should seek medical attention from an orthopedic specialist for muscle pain, think about what type of incident has occurred and understand the severity of your symptoms, as well as how much they interfere with your life. If what you are experiencing is discomfort, which you can liken to the soreness you feel from engaging in exercise, then the symptoms may resolve with at-home treatments, such as the RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) method. Mild strains usually respond well to home treatments, and improvement from symptoms is felt within a few days.
Muscle Strain Vs. Muscle Tear
- Muscle strains are generally localized to one area. They often feel like aches or soreness that come on gradually with movement or exercise but improve after rest. They are often a result of overexertion. Muscle strains typically last for several days but start to slowly get better until the two-week mark, before subsiding completely with self-care measures and rest.
- Severe upper extremity muscle strains, or muscle tears, will usually cause noticeable swelling in the area due to tissue damage. There may also be some bruising present, along with tenderness, redness, and a feeling of warmth upon touch. Additionally, you may not be able to move your arm, and there may be a visible change in the appearance of the arm, all of which can make it difficult to perform daily tasks.
Think about when your symptoms started. If upper extremity muscle pain was preceded by an incident such as a fall or bad form when carrying something really heavy, you could have torn a muscle that needs to be looked at by an orthopedic doctor. Below are signs of a serious muscle injury:
- Severe pain
- Pain that persists for weeks
- Limited upper extremity function
- Swelling
- Numbness and tingling
- Bulging or deformity
- Skin discoloration
- Difficulty sleeping
If muscle pain is making your life difficult, it is best to make an appointment with an orthopedic doctor that specializes in the treatment of upper extremity conditions: a hand surgeon.
Orthopedic Doctors in Lutherville, Maryland
The orthopedic doctors at Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder focus on the treatment of many hand and shoulder conditions, including muscle strains. Here, you can receive the best treatments from our board-certified and fellowship-trained hand surgeons, as well as the rest of our caring and compassionate staff. We are committed to your relief and recovery.
To schedule an appointment with one of our hand doctors, call our office today at (410) 296-6232 or use our convenient online request form. Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder serves the areas of Bel Air, Clarksville, Eldersburg, Pasadena, and Westminster, and accepts workers’ compensation patients.
