Sometimes it's easy to figure out why a limb hurts.
On the other hand, sometimes it's not as obvious.
Like many rather generic pain issues, knowing the cause is required before you can stop the pain.
Many times, the cause is, if not obvious, fairly easy to diagnose.
If you've had a fall, played a lot of tennis or spent long hours doing repetitive wrist movements, the cause and appropriate treatment should be easy to come up with.
However, if none of these seems likely, what does it mean and how is it treated? 1) Arthritis: There are many forms of this painful condition and some of them can affect your hand and arm.
An injury or general wear and tear can indicate osteoarthritis.
If the pain is in the small bones of the wrist and hand, it could be rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can affect any joint.
Anti-inflammatory medications and topical pain relievers are common treatments for most types of arthritis.
Willow bark and gotu kola are helpful both internally and topically.
Capsaicin could also help, by turning off the pain signal to your brain.
If you are allergic to aspirin, have gout or are on aspirin therapy, you may want to skip the willow, as it has the same chemical constituent.
2) Carpal Tunnel: The bones in the wrist are called carpal bones, and they have very tiny holes that the nerves go through to reach the hand.
Repetitive motions, such as typing, can cause these nerves to be inflamed.
As there is no place for this swelling to go, pain, numbness and other symptoms occur.
Prevention is your best bet.
Take a break from a job that causes the same movements to be done over and over.
Do some simple exercises such as rotating your hand at the wrist, etc.
You may wish to consult with your doctor to find the right exercises for your needs.
3) Heart Attack: Pain in your left arm, shoulder, back and jaw can indicate a heart attack in progress.
You may have other symptoms, such as heaviness in the chest, chest pain, difficulty breathing and changes in your skin.
If you suspect a heart attack, call 911.
This requires immediate medical attention in order to prevent as much damage as possible.
Getting a diagnosis for what causes your pain may be the best step you can take.
Knowing for certain what is wrong can help you pinpoint the best response.
Speak to your doctor about any medications or supplements you take and any other medical problems you have or had.
This way, the doctor can help you prevent lasting problems from your current pain.
On the other hand, sometimes it's not as obvious.
Like many rather generic pain issues, knowing the cause is required before you can stop the pain.
Many times, the cause is, if not obvious, fairly easy to diagnose.
If you've had a fall, played a lot of tennis or spent long hours doing repetitive wrist movements, the cause and appropriate treatment should be easy to come up with.
However, if none of these seems likely, what does it mean and how is it treated? 1) Arthritis: There are many forms of this painful condition and some of them can affect your hand and arm.
An injury or general wear and tear can indicate osteoarthritis.
If the pain is in the small bones of the wrist and hand, it could be rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can affect any joint.
Anti-inflammatory medications and topical pain relievers are common treatments for most types of arthritis.
Willow bark and gotu kola are helpful both internally and topically.
Capsaicin could also help, by turning off the pain signal to your brain.
If you are allergic to aspirin, have gout or are on aspirin therapy, you may want to skip the willow, as it has the same chemical constituent.
2) Carpal Tunnel: The bones in the wrist are called carpal bones, and they have very tiny holes that the nerves go through to reach the hand.
Repetitive motions, such as typing, can cause these nerves to be inflamed.
As there is no place for this swelling to go, pain, numbness and other symptoms occur.
Prevention is your best bet.
Take a break from a job that causes the same movements to be done over and over.
Do some simple exercises such as rotating your hand at the wrist, etc.
You may wish to consult with your doctor to find the right exercises for your needs.
3) Heart Attack: Pain in your left arm, shoulder, back and jaw can indicate a heart attack in progress.
You may have other symptoms, such as heaviness in the chest, chest pain, difficulty breathing and changes in your skin.
If you suspect a heart attack, call 911.
This requires immediate medical attention in order to prevent as much damage as possible.
Getting a diagnosis for what causes your pain may be the best step you can take.
Knowing for certain what is wrong can help you pinpoint the best response.
Speak to your doctor about any medications or supplements you take and any other medical problems you have or had.
This way, the doctor can help you prevent lasting problems from your current pain.
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