Lower Arm Pain

Specialized Lower Arm Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Personalized Treatment for Lower Arm Pain – Get Back to Your Best Self


At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand how crucial your lower arms are for your daily activities. From gripping objects to typing and lifting, your lower arm plays a significant role in your everyday life. Pain or injury in this area can limit your ability to perform even the simplest tasks. Dr. Burke offers advanced, personalized treatments to relieve your pain and restore function, helping you return to a pain-free and active lifestyle.

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Common Causes of Lower Arm Pain

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1. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is caused by overuse and repetitive movements, leading to inflammation of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outer elbow. It often affects athletes and individuals whose jobs require repetitive arm and wrist motions.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
  • Weakness in the forearm, especially when gripping objects
  • Pain that worsens with wrist and hand movements


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and braces to reduce strain on the tendons. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation.
  • Surgical Options: For severe cases that don’t respond to conservative treatments, Dr. Burke may perform tendon release surgery to alleviate pain.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. After surgery, recovery may take 3-6 months, depending on the extent of the injury and rehabilitation.

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2. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow but affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. It is commonly caused by repetitive wrist flexing and gripping motions, particularly in athletes or workers who use repetitive hand motions.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
  • Pain that worsens with wrist movements or gripping
  • Weakness in the forearm and hand


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and braces to relieve strain on the tendons. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered for pain relief.
  • Surgical Options: For persistent or severe cases, tendon release surgery may be recommended to restore function and reduce pain.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks with therapy. After surgery, recovery may take 3-6 months, with physical therapy being essential for recovery.

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3. Fractures (Radius, Ulna)

Fractures in the forearm bones (radius and ulna) are typically caused by trauma or falls. These injuries can result in pain, swelling, and limited movement, requiring immediate attention.

Symptoms:


  • Intense pain, swelling, and bruising in the forearm
  • Deformity or inability to move the arm
  • Difficulty gripping or using the hand


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will use X-rays or other imaging tests to assess the fracture and recommend immobilization with a cast or brace to allow the bones to heal.
  • Surgical Options: In severe cases, Dr. Burke may recommend surgery to realign and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or rods.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. Surgical recovery may extend to 10-12 weeks, with physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

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4. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and lower arm.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers
  • Pain that radiates from the wrist to the forearm
  • Weakness in the hand and difficulty gripping objects


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Corticosteroid injections may also be used for temporary relief.
  • Surgical Options: For severe cases, Dr. Burke may perform carpal tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore hand function.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery may take 4-6 weeks. After surgery, recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks, with physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.

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5. Forearm Muscle Strains

Muscle strains in the forearm occur when the muscles are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or overuse. This condition is common in athletes and individuals who perform repetitive tasks.

Symptoms:


  • Pain, swelling, and tenderness in the forearm
  • Muscle weakness and difficulty gripping objects
  • Bruising in the affected area


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically recommends rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy to help the muscle heal and restore strength.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered in cases of severe muscle tears that don’t heal with conservative treatments.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery for mild muscle strains typically takes 2-4 weeks. Severe strains may require 6-8 weeks, with physical therapy playing an important role in rehabilitation.

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6. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed as it passes through the cubital tunnel at the elbow, causing pain and numbness in the forearm and hand.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness or tingling in the ring and pinky fingers
  • Weakness in the hand, making it difficult to grip objects
  • Pain that radiates from the elbow to the forearm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, splinting, and physical therapy to relieve pressure on the ulnar nerve. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce pain and inflammation.
  • Surgical Options: In more severe cases, Dr. Burke may perform cubital tunnel release surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve and restore function.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. Post-surgery recovery may take several months, with physical therapy to restore strength and mobility.

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7. Tendinitis

Tendinitis in the lower arm occurs when the tendons become inflamed due to overuse or repetitive movements. This condition is common in individuals who perform tasks involving repetitive gripping or wrist movements.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling in the forearm or wrist
  • Tenderness and stiffness in the affected area
  • Pain that worsens with movement


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically recommends rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
  • Surgical Options: In rare cases, surgery may be required to repair severely damaged tendons.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery usually takes 4-6 weeks. Post-surgery recovery may take 3-6 months, depending on the extent of the tendon damage.

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8. Nerve Compression (e.g., Radial Nerve)

Radial nerve compression occurs when the radial nerve, which runs along the back of the arm, becomes compressed, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the forearm and hand.

Symptoms:


  • Numbness or tingling in the back of the hand or forearm
  • Weakness in the wrist or fingers
  • Difficulty extending the wrist or fingers


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will assess the severity of the compression and may recommend rest, splinting, and physical therapy to relieve pressure on the nerve. Corticosteroid injections may also be considered for temporary relief.
  • Surgical Options: In severe cases, radial nerve decompression surgery may be performed to relieve pressure and restore function.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks. Post-surgery recovery may take several months, with physical therapy helping to regain strength and mobility.

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Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Lower Arm Pain

If lower arm pain is limiting your ability to perform daily tasks, don’t wait to seek treatment. Dr. Burke offers same-day appointments to diagnose and treat your condition quickly and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, or a forearm fracture, call Dr. Burke Orthopedics today and take the first step toward relief.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my lower arm pain requires medical attention?
    If your pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or numbness, or if you experience difficulty moving your wrist, elbow, or hand, it’s important to seek medical attention. Dr. Burke can help diagnose the root cause of your pain and recommend an effective treatment plan.
  • Can lower arm conditions heal without surgery?
    Many lower arm conditions, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and tendinitis, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and develop a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • How long does it take to recover from a forearm fracture?
    Recovery from a forearm fracture typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture and whether surgery is needed. Physical therapy plays an important role in regaining strength and mobility after the bone heals.
  • What are the signs of nerve compression in the lower arm?
    Symptoms of nerve compression in the lower arm, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or radial nerve compression, include numbness, tingling, weakness, and difficulty moving the hand or fingers. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent long-term nerve damage.

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