Forearm pain, pain on the forearm

Pain forearm

Pains in the forearm are relatively common in western industrialized societies, as widespread PC work exposes the forearm to constant stress. The symptoms appear in different forms, often appearing as a result of movement, but sometimes also during rest periods. Usually the symptom of underarm pain is explained with a tennis elbow, a tendonitis or a carpal tunnel syndrome, but often the symptoms are more extensive - therefore the forearm should not be considered in isolation as part of the diagnosis.

contents

causes
Complaints and symptoms
Diagnosis and therapy
Naturopathy

causes

The forearm consists of the two long bones, ulna, and the radius, which are connected by a ligament (annular ligament) and a tight connective tissue (interosseous antebrachial membrane). Adjacent joints are on the one hand the wrist, which connects the forearm with the hand and the elbow joint, which forms the connection to the upper arm. Depending on the cause, complaints in or on the forearm are manifested in different degrees and intensities, for example in the form of oppressive, drawing or stinging pain, which occur either suddenly (acutely) after injuries or take a chronic course (for example in osteoarthritis) and sometimes associated with swelling, limited range of motion, paralysis or emotional distress.

In many cases, the pain in the forearm as a result of movement, for example when lifting objects, by rotational movements when opening a bottle, often during work on the PC or when pressing the mouse - in some cases, the symptoms are also in the hibernation.

Complaints and symptoms

Forearm pain is a common symptom behind which many different causes such as bone and joint problems, muscle problems, nerve irritation or nerve damage or circulatory disorders can be.

In many cases, there is an overload (for example, by monotonous movements, sports or computer work) of the forearm, which can lead to muscle or connective tissue tensions, tears and strains and thus causes the pain. In this context, tendonitis is often the trigger for the discomfort caused by heavy stress or constant overloading of muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is mostly due to bad posture, wrong sports techniques or unergonomic PC workstations as well as other activities where there is a monotonous mechanical stress on the wrist and forearm (for example hairdressers, masseurs or bakers).

In addition to tendonitis, acute or chronic overloading of the hands and forearms can also lead to the so-called golfer's elbow, tennis elbow or mouse arm (RSI syndrome or Repetitive Strain Injury), which is associated with sometimes severe pain and limited mobility of the arms and hands.

For example, the tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are characterized by inflammatory or degenerative changes in the elbow area and result in a limited usability of the affected arm. Tennis players and golfers are often affected by the movement patterns of both sports, but in most cases the wrong tricks (for example, when doing housework or sleeping) or sports techniques and workloads (crafts or intensive PC work).

The RSI syndrome or Repetitive Strain Injury (translated: repetitive strain injury) arises as a result of long-term, repetitive fast monotonous movement sequences, which in particular a non-stop activity on the keyboard or computer mouse is meant - hence the term "mouse arm". Depending on individual disposition and occupational requirements, the mouse arm may affect nerves, tendons, muscles, joints or connective tissue, typical symptoms besides pain are discomfort and loss of strength of affected hands or arms whose mobility may be severely limited.

Bruises or fractures caused by falls or accidents often cause severe forearm pain. In the case of a forearm fracture, for example, either the ulna or the spine (sometimes both at the same time) is usually separated by external action. In most cases, this is done by a fall (for example, during sports) in which the person concerned tries to cushion himself on the outstretched hand, whereby much of his own body weight is transferred to the narrow forearm bones, which can not withstand the pressure and finally give in. Even severe bone diseases such as osteoporosis can lead to a forearm fracture and thus severe forearm pain, which usually last quite a long time, as movements are initially limited and painful after a few weeks in plaster.

A nerve irritation may also affect the radial nerve, which is the only one of the three supplying forearm nerves in the armpit runs backwards and there, approximately at the level of the outer edge of the scapula, a bottleneck between the so-called "external rotators" of the arm must happen. Here it can be surmised that it is due to overuse of the forearm, for example by the unnatural inward turning of the arm and the shoulder during PC work or use of the mouse, that the muscles tense up and pinch off the Nervus Radialis or irritate. In addition, the third supplying nerve of the forearm - the ulnar nerve - can be disconnected, for example, by supporting the elbow and lead in its course to discomfort on the inside of the arm or elbow pain.

Diagnosis and therapy

Before the forearm pain can be treated, it must first be clearly located by the doctor, where exactly the pain and what causes the symptoms. It should always be ensured that the forearm is not considered in isolation - because in the case of very common tensions in muscles and connective tissue, for example, there is usually a close connection with misuse of the upper arm and shoulder. The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a detailed medical history (previous illnesses, physical and occupational strains etc.) as well as clarification of the symptoms by palpation of the painful areas and movement tests. For support and ambiguity, imaging procedures such as X-rays and laboratory examinations are also used.

In forearm fractures, the treatment is based on where the bone is broken and whether other body structures are affected. In the case of shaft fractures, an operative procedure is usually necessary in which the fracture is screwed to a plate. Increased displaced ulna and radius fractures close to the wrist are usually stabilized surgically, especially if the articular surface is affected. In contrast, conservative treatment is sufficient in most cases with fractures that have been slightly displaced - the fracture is first restored under local anesthesia or short anesthesia, then the arm is stabilized by a plaster splint. After a few days, the patient is usually given a completely closed plaster cast instead of the splint, which is worn for a further 4-6 weeks, during which time X-ray examinations are carried out, for example, to monitor the healing progress.

In the case of tendonitis, first and foremost it is important to protect the affected area, for which stabilizing bandages or support bandages are usually used. In case of swelling or redness cooling compresses help, in addition also painkillers and anti-inflammatory creams or if necessary tablets can bring a relief of the discomfort, in severe cases an experienced physician can inject also cortisone into the inflamed region. In chronic and not on conventional measures responsive tendonitis, surgery is performed in rare cases - it is the narrowed site at the tendon sheath split and thereby relieved.

Even with a tennis elbow, golfer elbow and mouse arm, the therapy is initially conservative, ie non-operative. Depending on the case, physical applications in the form of cold treatments or thermal therapy, stretching exercises, massages or local ultrasound and microwave treatment are suitable as the first measures for pain relief. In addition, ointment dressings and medicines (for example painkillers or cortisone injections) can also be used. If this treatment proves unsuccessful, the next step is usually to help alleviate the pain with a forearm cast.

If the underarm pain is due to damage to the nerves, such as the carpal tunnel syndrome, in many cases an operation can be avoided in the first stage, for example, by alleviating discomfort with wrist splints or anti-inflammatory cortisone in the form of tablets or injections into the carpal tunnel. It should be noted, however, that treatment with cortisone should always take place over a short period of time. In case of more advanced disease or if the symptoms persist despite these measures, surgery is possible. In this, the band structure, which forms the "roof" of the carpal tunnel, split, which relieves the nerves.

Basically, it should be considered that forearms complaints as a result of overloading, poor posture etc. can only be alleviated in the long term if the causative circumstances are changed. This can be done, for example, when working on the PC by optimizing the workplace (correct height of screen monitors, requirements for the palms and forearms, larger mouse, etc.) and the general avoidance of unfavorable postures or movements relatively quickly and easily.

Naturopathy

In addition to conventional medicine, various natural remedies are also considered in the treatment of forearm pain. For example, the herbal medicine offers in severe pain conditions of tendons, ligaments and muscle approaches, among other things, preparations with arnica or combined preparations of essential oils such as bergamot, lavender, orange and lemon oil, which may have a soothing effect. Homeopathy also offers numerous remedies for pain and pain, such as arnica or hypericum - but in any case, a specialist should be consulted to individually tailor the appropriate remedy and the right dosage.

Forearm pain caused by tension helps in many cases massage or progressive muscle relaxation. In addition, acupuncture, for example, is often recommended for a tennis elbow or golfer elbow, as it can be used to relieve pain and stop the process of inflammation - provided the pain-causing activity (such as tennis) is discontinued. Since for a reliable diagnosis and effective therapy the forearm should not be considered in isolation, osteopathy or Rolfing often offer useful treatment approaches. Here, the forearm is considered in its relationship to the entire arm and shoulder, which is essential to give those concerned post-therapy guidance, for example with regard to pain prevention or avoidance of postural damage. (No)

Also read:
The carpal tunnel syndrome
knee pain
Pain when lifting the arm