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Pain In Lower Left Arm Feels Like Its Been Punched

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Posted on Sun, 24 Feb 2019
Question: pain in lower left arm feels like its been punched along with pain in the elbow and shoulder.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Possible pinched nerve pain

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for using 'Ask a doctor' to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

The pain you are describing seems more like a pinched nerve pain.
Nerves go through in small canals in between the muscle and bone. Since it is starting from the shoulder then most probably the problem if the pinched nerve starts from there. Maybe you have done a movement that might have caused it, like weight lifting for example?
Or you have had a posture where you keep your shoulders not in their usual position? Or you slept on that side for a prolonged duration... Many factors can be there, hence, pinching the way the nerve goes.

In order to avoid this pain make sure to avoid that movement or position (if you can think of one).

Also, you can take a pain killer regularly for a few days, to help reduce the inflammation in the nerve. Ibuprofen 400mg 3 times per day for the next 3-4 days will be good if you do not have contraindications for its use. You can also use an analgesic local cream (eg. Diclofenac) to help the recovery- use it 3-4 times per day over the affected area.

If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. It generally needs 4-6 weeks for the nerve to recover.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,     
Dr Papaqako


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Klarida Papaqako (37 hours later)
Hi I have a pain in the top of my left shoulder a little by my elbow but on the top of my arm feels like i have been punched and my last 2 fingers go all tingerly too. I also get a bit of pain at the back of my kneck too also on the left side. Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (28 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Confirmed the previous advises.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for the follow up question.

Yes, the extra information confirms me what I adviced in the previous answer.

Please follow those advises and let me know if you have other questions or concerns.

Kind regards,
Dr. Papaqako
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

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Pain In Lower Left Arm Feels Like Its Been Punched

Brief Answer: Possible pinched nerve pain Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using 'Ask a doctor' to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. The pain you are describing seems more like a pinched nerve pain. Nerves go through in small canals in between the muscle and bone. Since it is starting from the shoulder then most probably the problem if the pinched nerve starts from there. Maybe you have done a movement that might have caused it, like weight lifting for example? Or you have had a posture where you keep your shoulders not in their usual position? Or you slept on that side for a prolonged duration... Many factors can be there, hence, pinching the way the nerve goes. In order to avoid this pain make sure to avoid that movement or position (if you can think of one). Also, you can take a pain killer regularly for a few days, to help reduce the inflammation in the nerve. Ibuprofen 400mg 3 times per day for the next 3-4 days will be good if you do not have contraindications for its use. You can also use an analgesic local cream (eg. Diclofenac) to help the recovery- use it 3-4 times per day over the affected area. If worse or not better, I would recommend seeing a local doctor. It generally needs 4-6 weeks for the nerve to recover. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr Papaqako