Sore arms are often the result of sport or overwork with repetitive movements. Although you should see a doctor if the pain is severe, you can often soothe the discomfort by following simple guidelines. This article details some common causes of arm pain, as well as some information for treatment.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: General Measurements
Step 1. Protect the affected area and let it rest
Tendonitis is an injury to the tendons that connect the muscles to the bone.
Step 2. Stop any activity that caused the pain until you heal, and avoid straining the sore tendons
Step 3. Apply a cold pack
You can find ready-made packages for cold therapy on the market, or you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or a towel filled with ice. Put it on the painful area for 20 minutes at a time several times a day.
Step 4. Put bandages or elastic compression bandages on the area
Step 5. Raise your arm higher than your heart to reduce swelling if the pain is in the elbow
Step 6. Learn to assume the correct positions and make the right movements
Sometimes it is necessary to consult a professional to evaluate arm movements during work or while performing other actions, to make sure they are not problematic.
Step 7. Take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin or others, until the pain subsides
Step 8. See a doctor if the above steps do not reduce pain
Method 2 of 3: Treating Bursitis
Step 1. Rest and immobilize the area that is causing the pain
Bursitis is an injury to the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints.
An area affected by bursitis is swollen or red and probably hurts when you press on it
Step 2. Apply a cold pack to the painful area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day
Step 3. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) until the pain subsides
Step 4. See a doctor if the pain is excessive, lasts for more than two weeks, or if you start to have a fever
You may need to take antibiotics if the bursitis is caused by an infection.
Method 3 of 3: Shoulder Injury
Step 1. Rest your shoulder
A rotator cuff tear affects the muscles that aid movement and stabilize the shoulder joint.
You can use your shoulder and make light movements, but avoid lifting heavy objects and doing other strenuous activities
Step 2. Alternate cold and warm compresses on the painful area
- Put cold compresses on the area for 1-20 minutes every 2 hours.
- After 2-3 days, start applying an electric warmer or hot compress.
Step 3. Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) until the pain subsides
Step 4. Stop smoking
Cigarettes prevent oxygen from reaching the injured muscles, thus slowing down the healing process.
