Upper Arm Pain

Specialized Upper Arm Care with Dr. Burke Orthopedics


Expert Treatment for Upper Arm Pain – Get Back to Your Best Self


At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we understand how essential your upper arms are for nearly every movement involving your shoulders and elbows. Upper arm pain can limit your ability to lift, reach, or perform daily tasks. Whether your pain is due to an injury or a chronic condition, Dr. Burke offers advanced, personalized treatments to help you regain mobility and strength. Our goal is to get you back to living a pain-free and active lifestyle.

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Common Causes of Upper Arm Pain

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1. Biceps Tendonitis

Biceps tendonitis occurs when the tendons that attach the biceps muscle to the shoulder and elbow become inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive movements.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and tenderness in the front of the shoulder or upper arm
  • Weakness or difficulty lifting objects
  • Pain that worsens with overhead activities


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Corticosteroid injections may also be considered to relieve pain.
  • Surgical Options: In cases where conservative treatments fail, Dr. Burke may perform arthroscopic surgery to repair the damaged tendons.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 4-6 weeks with proper rest and rehabilitation. After surgery, recovery may take 3-6 months, depending on the severity of the injury.

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2. Upper Arm Fractures

An upper arm fracture involves a break in the humerus (upper arm bone), often caused by trauma or falls. This type of injury requires immediate medical attention to ensure proper healing.

Symptoms:


  • Severe pain in the upper arm
  • Swelling, bruising, and possible deformity in the arm
  • Difficulty moving the shoulder or elbow


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


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


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery typically takes 6-8 weeks. After surgery, recovery may take 8-12 weeks or longer, with physical therapy playing a crucial role in regaining strength and mobility.

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3. Rotator Cuff Tendonitis

Rotator cuff tendonitis occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff muscles become irritated or inflamed, often due to repetitive movements or overuse.

Symptoms:


  • Pain in the shoulder and upper arm, especially when lifting or reaching overhead
  • Stiffness and weakness in the arm
  • Pain that worsens at night or when lying on the affected side


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke typically recommends rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce inflammation and strengthen the shoulder and upper arm muscles.
  • Surgical Options: In more severe cases, Dr. Burke may perform arthroscopic rotator cuff surgery to repair the damaged tendons.


Recovery Time:


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

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4. Proximal Biceps Tendon Rupture

A proximal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon attaching the biceps to the shoulder tears, often resulting from trauma or heavy lifting.

Symptoms:


  • Sudden, sharp pain in the shoulder or upper arm
  • A visible bulge in the upper arm (also known as a "Popeye muscle")
  • Weakness in the arm, especially when lifting or rotating the forearm


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke will evaluate the severity of the rupture and may recommend rest and physical therapy for minor tears. For complete ruptures, surgery is often required to reattach the tendon.
  • Surgical Options: Dr. Burke may perform biceps tendon repair surgery to restore function and strength in the arm.


Recovery Time:


  • Non-surgical recovery may take 4-6 weeks. Post-surgery recovery for a complete rupture can take 3-6 months, with physical therapy helping to regain full strength and mobility.

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5. Upper Arm Muscle Strains

Upper arm muscle strains occur when the muscles are overstretched or torn, often due to sudden movements or overexertion during physical activities.

Symptoms:


  • Pain and swelling in the upper arm
  • Muscle weakness and difficulty moving the arm
  • Bruising or tenderness in the affected area


Dr. Burke’s Approach:


  • Dr. Burke may recommend rest, ice, compression, and physical therapy to help the muscle heal and restore strength.
  • Surgical Options: Surgery is rarely needed but may be required for severe muscle tears that don’t heal with conservative treatment.


Recovery Time:


  • Recovery for mild muscle strains typically takes 2-4 weeks. More severe strains may require 6-8 weeks, with physical therapy playing a key role in recovery.

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Get Same-Day Diagnosis and
Treatment for Upper Arm Pain

Don’t let upper arm pain keep you from living your life. Dr. Burke offers same-day appointments to diagnose and treat your upper arm condition quickly and effectively. Whether you’re dealing with tendonitis, a muscle strain, or a fracture, call Dr. Burke Orthopedics today to begin your path to pain-free movement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • How do I know if my upper arm pain requires medical attention?
    If your pain persists for more than a few days, is accompanied by swelling, bruising, or weakness, or if you experience difficulty moving your arm, it’s time to see Dr. Burke for an evaluation.
  • Can upper arm conditions heal without surgery?
    Many upper arm conditions, such as tendonitis and muscle strains, can heal with non-surgical treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medications. Dr. Burke will assess your condition and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
  • How long does it take to recover from an upper arm fracture?
    Recovery from an upper arm fracture typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture. Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility after the bone heals.
  • What are the risks of delaying treatment for upper arm pain?
    Delaying treatment for upper arm pain can lead to worsening symptoms, chronic pain, and decreased mobility. Early diagnosis and treatment with Dr. Burke can help prevent long-term complications and improve your quality of life.

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