If you experience specific pain in your upper arm when lifting or moving things, it's likely due to issues with your muscles or tendons.
Common Causes of Upper Arm Pain When Lifting
Here's a more detailed look at what might be causing that pain:
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Muscle Strain: Overexertion or sudden movements can strain the muscles in your upper arm, leading to pain. This is common if you're not used to lifting heavy objects or if you use poor form.
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Tendonitis: This condition involves inflammation of the tendons connecting your muscles to the bones. Two common areas are:
- Biceps Tendonitis: Pain at the front of your arm, potentially near the elbow or shoulder, when you bend your arm or lift objects.
- Triceps Tendonitis: This can cause pain in the back of your arm, usually around the elbow, especially when straightening your arm.
According to the reference, triceps and biceps are particularly susceptible to tendinitis, with the triceps often experiencing issues at their insertion point into the elbow.
How to Address the Pain
Here's a breakdown of ways to handle the pain:
| Treatment | Description |
|---|---|
| Rest | Avoid activities that worsen the pain to allow the muscles and tendons to heal. |
| Ice | Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation and pain. |
| Over-the-counter pain relief | Use pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain management. |
| Manual Therapy | Physiotherapy involving hands-on techniques to improve flexibility, reduce tension and promote healing. |
| Shockwave Therapy | A non-invasive procedure that uses sound waves to stimulate the healing process in muscles and tendons. |
| Exercise | Targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles and tendons, making them more resistant to injury. This should be done in consultation with a physical therapist. |
When to Seek Professional Help
If your arm pain is severe, doesn't improve with home care, or is accompanied by other symptoms (like numbness or tingling), it’s best to see a doctor or physical therapist. They can properly diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend the best course of treatment.
