Forearm Pain
Quick Guide to the Causes and Treatment of Forearm Pain
Forearm pain is not a typical topic of conversation, but this is a real problem that affects many people. Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the common causes of forearm pain, and it is frequently found in office workers and people who use a computer for hours and hours every day. Sometimes pain in the forearm is no big deal and will heal on its own, but for many people this problem can be quite disabling and may even require surgery.
Causes of Pain in the Forearm
As is the case with carpal tunnel syndrome, pain in the forearm is almost always caused by prolonged use of the hands and arms. There are also times when this type of pain can be the result of a previous injury, but in most cases, the problem of pain in the forearms is associated with repeated arm or hand usage.
Everyone moves their hands and arms in different ways, and the way we use our hands or arms – like when we sit and type – will sometimes develop into a pattern that leads to a strain on the ligaments or muscles inside the forearm. This is why many offices try to find ergonomically correct desks and chairs. Proper position of the arms, back and head can help workers to properly place their hands and arms when working on a computer while sitting at a desk.
Symptoms of Forearm Problems
The pain associated with strain in the forearm is most frequently described as a regular ache that can become so severe that it interferes with movement. Some people also experience throbbing or tingling in the forearms, and others deal with sharp pains in the arms. The symptoms seem to happen most often when reaching or picking something up, but they can really pop up any time.
In most cases the ache or pain will go away as soon as the action that caused it stops. In other words, if the pain hits while you are typing on your computer keyboard, it will go away as soon as you stop typing. In severe cases, however, the pain may be constant, and that is when regular therapy or possibly surgery may be the only solution.
Treatment for Forearm Problems
Pain in the forearm stems from overuse and misuse of the muscles located in the lower part of the arm. This muscle misuse is caused by muscle groups attaching together to make repeated actions easier. Unfortunately, the muscle grouping can result in overuse of all of the muscles, which leads to problems with forearm aches and pain.
Carpal tunnel and other forearm problems can frequently be treated without going to the extreme of having surgery to repair damaged muscle, ligaments or tendons. Of course, it is a good idea to consult a medical professional before making any decisions about how to treat any pain in the forearms.
Obviously, staying away from any activities that cause pain will be helpful, so that is the first step that should be taken. If you cannot completely avoid the activity that has caused the forearm problem, then you should at least try to adjust the way you use your hands and arms during this activity to help alleviate any pain.
Stretching exercises can also work to make muscles more flexible and help get your joints in better condition to do all types of work and other activities. Another helpful action may be wearing a splint on the wrist. This will limit the movement of the wrist and forearm, thereby lowering the chance that the muscles will be misused.