Forearm Pain Symptoms

Introduction: Forearm pain

The forearm comprises the radius and ulna that stretches along forearm length and intersects at the wrist joint—any injury involving any structures of the forearm results in forearm pain. Forearm pain indicates discomfort in your arm anywhere between the wrist and the elbow. It can be due to any injury or inflammation that affects the arm tissues, involving the bones, blood vessels, muscles, skin and tendons.

Symptoms of forearm pain

Symptoms of forearm pain are based on the extent of the injury and the location. Some of the common symptoms are as follows:

• Mild to moderate pain
• Throbbing pain
• Numbness
• Sharp pain in  either one or both forearms
• Tingling sensation
• Dull aching pain 
• Weakness or lack of strength of the forearm and  fingers

Causes of forearm pain

Forearm pain results from multiple causes. It may be accidents, fractures, infections, or sports injuries. Rarely forearm pain may be associated with benign conditions like a cyst, growth, or a malignancy. It is essential to seek medical attention if the pain persists for a longer duration. Here are a few major reasons for forearm pain.

Injury to the forearm

The forearm is composed of two bones named the radius and ulna. Any injury or fracture to any or both the bones triggers pain. It may be mild to severe pain in your forearm based on the intensity of the injury.

Strain and overuse injuries

• Exertion or repetitive stress in your arms  
• Pain varies across the elbow, fingers, shoulder, wrist, etc. 
• Overuse injuries are common in athletes and sports persons. 
• Computer programmers who use keyboards frequently are also prone to forearm pain. 
• The nature of pain can be dull and throbbing, and it may escalate to sudden and intense.

Nerve damage

• Nerve injury is another common cause of pain in the forearm. 
• Any damage or injury to wear to one or more nerves can result in forearm pain.
• Carpal Tunnel syndrome results from nerve injury in the wrist. It occurs when the nerve gets pressed or squeezed.

Arthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis is another cause of forearm pain. 
• It causes inflammation, pain and swelling in joints.
• It mainly affects the elbows, simultaneously causing pain in both arms.

When to see a doctor for forearm pain?

Mostly, aches, discomforts and pains in your forearm can be cured successfully with the aid of home remedies, which could be by using painkillers, rest, massage and likewise. However, under certain conditions, when the home remedies fail and the pain intensifies or persists, you should seek professional medical attention for a quick diagnosis. Here are a few situations when you should seek immediate attention, especially If forearm pain results from any of the following:

• Injury
• Fracture 
• Red streaks radiating from a particular spot or wound in the forearm: This could be a sign of blood poisoning or a fatal condition. 
• Unable to  pinpoint the site of pain 
• Mild pain suddenly worsens
• The pain doesn’t subside with painkillers or natural remedies.

Remedies/Treatment of forearm pain

Forearm pain stems from multiple causes, and each cause may need specific treatment. In such a case, it is recommended to consult a doctor. Yashoda Hospitals is well-equipped to cater to all your treatments for forearm pain.

• R.I.C.E: This is one of the most traditional non-drug therapy for forearm pain, irrespective of the cause. It involves Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or steroid injections 
• Splints 
• Physiotherapy 
• Surgery may be needed if the above-mentioned therapy modalities fail or to treat damaged nerves

Forearm pain is mostly a common condition. Due to the constant use in almost all physical activities and movements, the forearms may become injured frequently. Forearm pain can be caused by a wide variety of problems, ranging from compressed nerves, infections, injuries, and fractures to overuse. It is recommended to seek medical attention, proper diagnosis and treatment if your forearm pain persists for a long time despite home remedies and medications.