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What Causes Sharp And Stinging Pain In Arm, Inner Forearm While Stretching The Hand?

Posted on Wed, 30 Mar 2016

Question: Hello, When I extend my arm, I have a sharp excrutiating "Tearing like" pain and then stinging pain in my inner forearm about 2 inches down from my elbow. It takes a few moments for the pain to subside each time I extend my arm and have to go through it. Typically on accident, because in the resting position it doesn't bother me. It does however have a numbness and tingleing feeling to it. I am an active person, healthy blood work, and I work out regularly. I did notice that it started after a heavy workout at the gym though. I was really tight and sore for a couple of days, and when the tightness and soreness went away the pain in my right arm started. I work at a computer all day and as a bartender at night when I'm not in school.
PLEASE HELP Thank you

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (26 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It can be due to stretching of ulnar nerve

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have studied your case and I think your pain may be due to stretching of nerve at elbow. This is called ulnar nerve and this type of pain is common in people who do heavy work or Gym. But before I advised you any further I would like to know little detail of this illness.
1.Since when you are having this pain?
2.Do you feel tingling and numbness in 4th and 5th finger also?
3.Did you injured or had trauma around elbow?
Please send me answers of these questions. I will try my best to help you.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

1. 6 days
2. inner arm pain about 2 inches below the bend in the elbow not outer or lower arm. No pain in the 4th or 5th. thumb, index, and middle filangees feel tension and a little of the initial pain, but it is mostly concentrated to that one spot.Tingling and numbness as I said is in the INNER fore arm
3. No Trauma just normal olympic weight lifting work outs at the gym as far as activity goes.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
it can be ulnar nerve stretching

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
After studying your case I think you may have stretched your ulnar nerve. It is common and not a serious issue. it can be due to heavy exercise or sleeping in wrong posture. I would suggest you following.
1.Avoid weight lifting or sudden movement at elbow or shoulder.
2.Tablet Pregabalin M at night time.
3.Volitran gel local application and hot water fomentation.
I hope these steps will take care of this. Your sensation will improve in a week or two. I hope this answer will be useful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (22 minutes later)

Is there any chance that it is the median nerve and not the ulnar

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (13 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No it is median nerve

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I do not think that it is median nerve. It is ulnar nerve. If you do not get relief with in 2 weeks then get a EMG test. This can confirm the diagnosis.
thanks

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar