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    3. Orthopaedics
    4. Arm Pain

    Arm Pain

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our musculoskeletal specialists provide comprehensive arm pain treatment using advanced diagnostic assessment and a personalised approach to care. Arm pain can develop suddenly following an injury or gradually over time, and may arise from the muscles, tendons, joints, nerves or bones. Because many different conditions can produce similar symptoms, identifying the underlying cause is an important first step towards effective treatment.

    Our multidisciplinary team works closely across orthopaedics, rheumatology, neurology and diagnostics when appropriate, ensuring every patient receives an accurate diagnosis and an individualised management plan.

     

    • Arm pain describes discomfort affecting any part of the upper limb, including the shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist or hand. It can range from a mild ache to severe pain and may be constant or occur only during certain movements.

      While many cases are related to muscle strain or overuse, persistent or unexplained pain may indicate an underlying condition requiring specialist assessment. In some cases, arm pain may also originate from the neck, nerves or other parts of the body rather than the arm itself.

    • The symptoms of arm pain vary depending on the underlying cause and may include:

      • Aching or throbbing pain
      • Sharp or shooting pain
      • Pain in the upper arm or shoulder
      • Pain when lifting or reaching
      • Stiffness or reduced range of movement
      • Swelling around the arm or joints
      • Weakness when gripping or lifting objects
      • Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand or fingers
      • Pain that worsens with activity or at night

      Persistent pain, increasing weakness or loss of function should always be assessed by a specialist. Without appropriate diagnosis, some conditions may worsen over time, leading to reduced mobility, chronic pain or permanent nerve or joint damage.

    • You should arrange a medical assessment if arm pain:

      • Persists for more than a few days without improvement
      • Develops without an obvious injury
      • Repeatedly returns after activity
      • Limits your ability to work, exercise or carry out daily activities
      • Is associated with swelling, weakness or reduced movement
      • Is accompanied by numbness or tingling

      Seek urgent medical attention if arm pain follows significant trauma, is associated with severe deformity, loss of circulation, or occurs alongside chest pain, shortness of breath or other symptoms that could indicate a medical emergency.

    • Understanding the causes of arm pain often requires careful clinical assessment. Because the arm contains muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and blood vessels, pain can develop for many different reasons.

      Muscle and tendon conditions

      • Muscle strains
      • Tendon injuries
      • Rotator cuff disorders
      • Tendinitis
      • Overuse injuries from repetitive activities

      Joint and bone conditions

      • Osteoarthritis
      • Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Shoulder impingement
      • Frozen shoulder
      • Elbow conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer's elbow
      • Fractures following injury

      Nerve-related causes

      • Cervical radiculopathy (a trapped nerve in the neck)
      • Carpal tunnel syndrome
      • Ulnar nerve entrapment
      • Peripheral neuropathy

      Other causes

      • Poor posture
      • Sports injuries
      • Repetitive strain injuries
      • Inflammatory conditions
      • Reduced blood flow
      • Less commonly, referred pain from the heart or other organs

      Because symptoms frequently overlap with different conditions, specialist assessment is often needed to determine the precise cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, diagnosis begins with a detailed consultation. Your specialist will discuss your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, daily activities and any factors that make the pain better or worse before carrying out a thorough physical examination.

      Depending on the suspected cause, further investigations may include:

      • X-rays, to assess fractures, arthritis and bone abnormalities
      • Ultrasound, to examine muscles, tendons and soft tissues
      • MRI scans, providing detailed images of muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and nerves
      • CT scans, where more detailed assessment of bone is required
      • Blood tests, if inflammatory or autoimmune conditions are suspected
      • Nerve conduction studies and electromyography (EMG), to investigate nerve-related symptoms

      Not every patient requires imaging or multiple investigations. Your consultant will recommend only the tests needed to reach an accurate diagnosis and guide your treatment plan.

    • Effective arm pain treatment depends on identifying and addressing the underlying cause. Following a comprehensive assessment, your consultant will recommend a personalised management plan based on your diagnosis, symptoms, activity levels and overall health.

      Treatment may include:

      • Activity modification and guided rehabilitation
      • Physiotherapy to improve strength, flexibility and movement
      • Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication where appropriate
      • Corticosteroid or other image-guided injections for selected conditions
      • Bracing or supportive devices when required
      • Management of inflammatory or rheumatological conditions
      • Referral to other specialist services where multidisciplinary care is beneficial

      Our team focuses on relieving pain, restoring function and helping patients return safely to their normal daily activities while reducing the risk of future problems.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to internationally recognised expertise delivered in the heart of central London.

      Our approach combines:

      • Highly experienced consultants across multiple specialties
      • Personalised assessment and treatment planning
      • Advanced diagnostic imaging and testing
      • Collaborative multidisciplinary care
      • Coordinated management for both straightforward and complex conditions
      • A commitment to evidence-based, patient-centred care

      Whether your symptoms are recent or longstanding, our specialists work together to identify the cause of your arm pain and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.

    Private health insurance for rheumatology treatment

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Private assessment 

    If you’re seeking arm pain treatment, our consultants are here to help. To arrange a consultation with our specialists today, call us on +44 (0) 207 871 2575 or fill out our online form. 

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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