top of page
Hospital Hall

UPPER EXTREMITY PAIN

  • The following symptoms may be accompanied by upper extremity pain:

    • Tenderness or warmth caused by inflammation

    • Persistent swelling

    • Pain that worsens during certain activities

    • Pain or stiffness

    • Numbness and tingling

  • Patients may experience upper extremity pain if they’ve becoming injured or developed any of the following conditions:

    • Tennis elbow

    • Golfer’s elbow

    • Bursitis

    • Carpal tunnel

    • Trigger finger

    • Acute fractures and stress fractures

    • Muscle strains and tears

    • Rotator cuff tears

    • Osteoarthritis of the shoulder

    • Shoulder dislocations

    • Shoulder impingement syndrome

    • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

    • Ganglion cysts of the hand

    • SLAP Tear (Superior Labrum from Anterior to Posterior Tear)

    • Tendonitis

  • Certain occupations, sports, conditions, and activities increase the risk of developing pain in the upper extremities:

    • Typing

    • Working with vibrating tools

    • Diabetes

    • Arthritis

    • Gardening

    • Playing racket sports, baseball, volleyball, and swimming

    • Lifting heavy objects

    • Occupations such as painting, carpentry, window washing, and plumbing

    • Prior injury to the shoulder

  • Patients experiencing pain in their upper extremities should schedule an appointment with Premier Urgent Care.

    ​

    During their visit, a physician will evaluate their symptoms, review their medical history, and order the necessary diagnostic tests. The results of the exam and tests will then be used to create a personalized treatment plan.

  • Upper extremity pain may be caused by an injury or underlying condition. At Premier Urgent Care, patients can experience lasting pain relief after treatment with injections and pain management techniques.
     

    Depending on the type of upper extremity pain, patients may benefit from joint and soft tissue injections administered at the clinic; these include nerve blocks, epidural injections, piriformis injections, sacroiliac joint injections, and trigger point injections. Patients should speak to their physician to find out if they are a good candidate for joint and soft tissue injections.
     

    Pain management techniques can help patients minimize upper extremity pain through cold and heat therapy, gentle exercise, acupuncture, cognitive behavior therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, physical therapy, massage, yoga, deep breathing exercises, biofeedback, music therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Patients will receive a customized pain management plan to treat their specific type of upper extremity pain.

  • Severe upper extremity pain may require advanced treatment, such as chiropractic adjustment, physical therapy, and even surgery. Premier Urgent Care supports patients needing a range of treatments. Staff is available to answer any questions about obtaining advanced treatment.

The upper extremities include the shoulder, arm, forearm, wrist, and hand. Upper extremity pain may be caused by a range of conditions and injuries.

bottom of page