Pain and swelling in your shoulders, arms and hands could be a symptom of a variety of conditions, including arthritis, a traumatic injury or an illness. Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on your gender, age and a more in-depth examination of your symptoms. For example, swelling in your joints could be a type of arthritis, while swelling in your muscles could be from a strain or injury.
Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation
A traumatic fall or blow to your shoulder can cause sternoclavicular joint dislocation, a condition that causes pain, swelling and tingling in the shoulder, arm and hand. The sternoclavicular joint is in the shoulder and is partly responsible for mobility between the shoulder and trunk. In 2008, the "Canadian Journal of Surgery" published a report indicating that because sternoclavicular joint dislocation is uncommon, it often goes misdiagnosed. Depending on the exact location of the injury, complications include respiratory problems, vascular injuries, nerve damage, problems swallowing and even death.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The carpal tunnel is a pathway in the wrist containing nerves that control hand movement and sensation. Repetitive stress to the nerve, which runs from the inner wrist to the forearm, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Irritated tendons can also thicken or swell in the carpal tunnel and press on the median nerve. Symptoms include pain and swelling that radiates between the shoulder and hand as well as burning, tingling, itching and numbness. Symptoms can occur in one or both hands. Medical conditions such as an overactive pituitary gland, hypothyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis can also cause carpal tunnel syndrome.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome, or CRPS, is a chronic pain disorder that typically affects the limbs. CRPS is characterized by intense burning or aching pain and swelling in the arm or hand, joint stiffness, muscle spasms and weakness. Other symptoms include skin discoloration, changes in temperature, sweating and sensitivity in the affected areas. CRPS often follows an injury or illness.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain. An estimated 2 percent of Americans, most them female, suffer from fibromyalgia. Risk of the condition increases with age. Often, fibromyalgia occurs on its own and is not necessarily precipitated by a traumatic event. Symptoms include widespread body pain and tender points. Tender points refers to areas that are more painful when little pressure is applied. These areas often include the shoulders and between the shoulder blades.
Treatment
If your symptoms are mild, you can treat pain and reduce swelling with over-the-counter, nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. If your pain is unmanageable, or persists longer than a few days, you should call your doctor. If caught early, you have a better chance of treating conditions like complex regional pain syndrome. Applying a cold compress or ice can relieve swelling, and heat can ease tight muscles and spasms. Some people react well to sympathetic nerve-blocking medications that inject an anesthetic and block pain signals. Spinal cord stimulation is a device that delivers tiny electronic signals to your spinal cord to relieve pain.
References
- HealthCentral.com: Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation
- PubMed.gov; "Canadian Journal of Surgery"; Posterior Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation; Nathan Hoekzema, et al.; February 2008
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet
- MayoClinic.com: Fibromyalgia
- MayoClinic.com: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
