Arm pain is a rather common problem that individuals have, especially after experiencing some kind of injury, accident, or deterioration. Whether it manifests in the shoulders, muscles, or joints such as elbows and wrists, arm pain can not only make your day-to-day life less enjoyable, but it can even inhibit your physical capabilities and range of motion. Think about how that can affect your abilities to carry and hold items, drive your vehicle, and do other productive things. In this blog post, we'll detail some of the at-home remedies for arm pain that you can implement to ease any issues and get back to maximum capacity ASAP.
If your arm pain comes as the result of an incident, accident, or injury, then consider using a heating pad for relief. A heating pad can be placed on the affected area to help reduce inflammation and aid in muscle relaxation. You might want to add a cold pack for about thirty minutes if you have some swelling going on. Note that a heating pad should be used no more than twenty minutes at a time and not too close to the skin since this can lead to burns. It is recommended that heat or cold treatments are used only when needed.
Some people find relief from their arm pain by applying pressure to the afflicted area. This is usually done through a compression device or with an elastic bandage. The idea of this method is that it reduces swelling and lessens pain, but in order for it to work effectively, you need to make sure your body's circulation isn't impaired as well. Be sure to wrap the affected area tightly, but not so tight that it cuts off the circulation of blood. Whether you get this done with an elastic bandage or a brace, keep the compressed area in a fixed position for as much time as you can and try to keep it elevated as much as possible.
Another way to find relief from arm pain is by taking over-the-counter medication. This doesn't mean that you should take it without consulting a doctor - but the first thing they'll likely do after seeing you and assessing your situation is prescribe you some sort of acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your discomfort. Be sure to follow the instructions that come with these medications when taking them.
A general rule of thumb is that time heals all wounds, so it's important not to get too impatient with your arm pain. That being the case, getting some bodily rest can be a very effective method of alleviating pain. Relaxing and taking it easy gives your body the chance to repair itself, which it can't do to the same extent when we consistently put pressures on it to perform at a high level. If you have been dealing with arm pain for more than two weeks, then it's time to get some professional help. But until then, try taking some time to rest and heal to see what results you might get.
Though at-home remedies can solve a wide range of problems, specifically scenarios regarding arm pain, it's important to know that there is a threshold at which it'd be a better decision to get seen by a medical professional. Arm pain and severe arm pain bring different problems to one's life, and you don't want to let severe arm pain go untreated for long periods of time. You could be experiencing an underlying issue or a bone fracture, big or small, and not know it if you don't eventually get things looked at by a doctor. If you've tried all the home remedies with little success, or you have severe arm pain that needs medical attention, the Comprehensive Spine Center of Dallas has experienced staff and doctors that can solve your issues. Schedule an appointment with our team today and visit our Telemedicine page if you're interested in setting up a virtual appointment.