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What Causes Weakness And Pain In The Arm?

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Posted on Sat, 15 Oct 2016
Question: I'm having problems with my arm. Here is the chain of events:

Sep 7
Got Splinter in finger from a wooden skewer while working with raw meat. Splinter pulled out.

Sep 10
Finger swollen and infected with blister. Started CLINDAMYCIN 300mg 3 times daily at advice of doctor. Took for 4 days.

Sep 13
Swelling extended to whole hand. Got incision to drain out pus and started Augmentin 1000mg for 6 days

Sep 14
Swelling reduced

Sep 23
Minor swelling localized in finger only but arm from fingers to elbow is weak with pain in arm felt mostly at night. Family doctor prescribed CIPRO for 10 days. Suspected that infection remains present.

Sep 27
Specialist (Plastic surgeon) does not suspect cellulitis. Says probably inflammation from initial infection. Prescribed 7 days of clindamycin 300mg 4 times a day just in case in addition to the cipro. Weakness in arm remains. He suggested to gently exercise it.

My finger remains slightly swollen but no swelling in hand or arm. The weakness and slight pain in my arm is really bothering me though and it's not getting better. What could be wrong?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Can be due to inflammation of tendons.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The weakness and slight pain in the arm can be due to inflammation of the tendons after the infection in the area. Since you are having antibiotics regularly, any infection is less likely now. You can do a hot compress in the area and take a mild pain killer to help it. Doing a mild exercise under the guidance of a physiotherapist will also help.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (4 hours later)
So you are saying I may have developed tendonitis from my infection? Would it actually spread to other tendons in my hand and arm? Now that you've mentioned it the weakness and stiffness seems to be coming from my joints. My fingers, wrist and elbow. If this is tendonitis how can it be cured ?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Tendonitis can happen after infection.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Tendonitis can happen after an infection. It is more commonly seen in frequently used or stressed tendons.
It is less likely to spread. It can be controlled with rest and regular anti inflammatory medicines. Hot compress and light exercise will also help.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Practicing since :1994

Answered : 12314 Questions

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What Causes Weakness And Pain In The Arm?

Brief Answer: Can be due to inflammation of tendons. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query. The weakness and slight pain in the arm can be due to inflammation of the tendons after the infection in the area. Since you are having antibiotics regularly, any infection is less likely now. You can do a hot compress in the area and take a mild pain killer to help it. Doing a mild exercise under the guidance of a physiotherapist will also help. I hope this answers your query. In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Praveen Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal