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What is Lower Arm Pain?
Lower arm pain refers to discomfort or soreness in the region extending from the elbow to the wrist and hand. This pain can affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones within this area, impacting your daily activities and overall quality of life. The pain may present itself differently depending on the underlying cause, ranging from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating pain.
Lower arm pain can present itself in various ways, depending on the underlying cause. Here are some common symptoms you might experience:
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Pain: This can range from sharp, shooting pain to a dull, constant ache. The pain may be localised to a specific area or spread throughout the lower arm.
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Numbness and Tingling: Often described as a "pins and needles" sensation, numbness and tingling can occur in the hand, fingers, or along the arm, commonly associated with nerve compression conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or cubital tunnel syndrome.
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Weakness: You may notice a reduction in strength in your hand or arm, making it difficult to grip objects or perform everyday tasks.
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Swelling and Inflammation: The affected area may become swollen, tender, and warm to the touch, particularly in cases of acute injury or arthritis.
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Stiffness and Reduced Mobility: You might experience stiffness in your joints or muscles, limiting your ability to move your wrist, elbow, or fingers freely.
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Sensitivity to Touch: The area may be particularly sensitive, and even light touch can cause discomfort or pain.
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Clicking or Popping Sensations: In some cases, you may hear or feel clicking or popping in your joints or tendons, which can be a sign of conditions like tendinitis or ligament injuries.
These are some of the common symptoms associated with lower arm pain, but it's essential to note that experiences vary, and additional symptoms may be present depending on the underlying cause of the pain. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms you can contact us here at the LBPC.
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Why does your Lower Arm Hurt?
There are several reasons why you might be experiencing lower arm pain, and understanding these can help us create an effective treatment plan tailored to your needs. One common cause is repetitive strain injuries, which often result from activities that involve overuse or repetitive motions, such as typing or playing sports. These actions can lead to conditions like tendinitis or carpal tunnel syndrome. You might also be experiencing pain due to acute injuries, such as falls, accidents, or sudden impacts that cause fractures, sprains, or dislocations, resulting in immediate pain and swelling.
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Another potential cause is arthritis, a condition that leads to inflammation and stiffness in the joints, particularly affecting the hands and wrists. Additionally, nerve compression syndromes, such as cubital tunnel syndrome, can occur when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. Overexertion or improper use of the lower arm muscles can also lead to muscle strains, resulting in discomfort and pain.
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By understanding these potential causes, we can work together to identify the source of your pain and develop a personalised treatment plan to help you feel better and improve your quality of life.
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Common types of Lower Arm Pain
While this is not an exhaustive list, these are the 5 most common types of lower arm pain that we see at the LBPC and our team is highly experienced in treating them.
Tendinitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Fractures and Sprains
Arthritis
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How can we Help You?
At the LBPC, our skilled physiotherapists are here to help you manage and alleviate your lower arm pain with warmth and reassurance. We understand how disruptive and uncomfortable this pain can be, and we are committed to helping you feel better.
Our approach includes:
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Manual Therapy: Gentle hands-on techniques to improve joint and muscle function, providing relief and improving mobility.
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Therapeutic Exercises: Personalised exercise programs designed to strengthen your muscles and restore mobility, ensuring you can return to your daily activities with confidence.
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Ergonomic Advice: Practical guidance on proper techniques and equipment adjustments to prevent further strain and pain.
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Pain Management: Utilising modalities such as ultrasound and heat/cold therapy to reduce pain and inflammation effectively.
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Our goal is to support your recovery, prevent future injuries, and enhance your overall function and well-being. Whether your pain is due to a recent injury or a chronic condition, our dedicated team at LBPC is here to guide you every step of the way. We are committed to helping you feel better and get back to enjoying your life pain-free.