Lower arm pain may be caused by injury or the presence of a particular disease or condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the common diseases that cause lower arm pain and weakness include carpal tunnel syndrome and rheumatoid arthritis. If you are having trouble gripping items or have unexplained weakness or pain in your lower arm, contact your physician immediately.
Injury
Injuries, whether through sports or accident, can cause pain in your lower arm. According to information found in the American Council on Exercises "Personal Trainers Manual," sports that require your arm to perform repetitive motions that put extra stress on the muscles and tendons, leaving them weakened and more susceptible to developing conditions such as tendinitis and medial epicondylitis--or golfer's elbow. Usually cessation of the repetitive activity that is causing the pain will help relieve the pain symptoms. A sudden blow or impact to your lower arm may cause a fracture or break in the bone, both of which can be extremely painful. A broken bone may require a cast to keep it immobilized until it can heal properly. Usually the healing process can take anywhere from six to eight weeks.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in your forearm becomes entrapped usually by the carpal ligament. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the median nerve is responsible for the feeling and movement to the "thumb side" of the hand. A common symptom is pain felt from the wrist all the way up to the shoulder area. Certain kinds of activities can increase your risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome. Such activities include, driving, sewing, typing, painting and writing. Usually treatment consists of taking frequent breaks if you participate in a sport or activity that increases your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends using hot and cold compresses to reduce swelling and promote blood circulation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
According to the Mayo Clinic, rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that can cause pain in your hands, wrists and elbows. Although rheumatoid arthritis can affect anyone, it is two to three times more common in women. Rheumatoid arthritis develops when your body's immune system mistakenly identifies its own tissue as a threat and consequently begins to attack it. This attack targets the lining of your joints and causes painful swelling that may eventually lead to bone erosion and joint deformity. Treatment consists of relieving symptoms and preventing any further damage done to joints.
References
- "American Council on Exercise Personal Trainers Manual"; Cedric X. Bryant; 2003
- Mayo Clinic: Arm Pain
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Mayo Clinic: Rheumatoid Arthritis
