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Forearm pain
Pain in the forearm occurs relatively often in western industrial societies because the forearm is exposed to constant stress due to the widespread use of computers. The symptoms appear in different forms, often they arise as a result of movement, but sometimes also during periods of rest. The symptom of forearm pain is usually explained by a tennis elbow, tendonitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, but the symptoms are often more extensive - therefore, the forearm should not be considered in isolation in the diagnosis.
Causes
The forearm consists of the two long bones Elle (ulna) and the spoke (radius), which are connected to each other by a band (Ligamentum anulare radii) and a firm connective tissue structure (Membrana interossea antebrachii). Adjacent joints are on the one hand the wrist, which connects the forearm with the hand, and the elbow joint, which forms the connection to the upper arm. Depending on the cause, complaints in or on the forearm show up in different forms and intensities, for example in the form of oppressive, pulling or stinging pains, which either occur suddenly (acute), for example after injuries, or take a chronic course (for example, with arthrosis) and are sometimes accompanied by swelling, restricted mobility, paralysis or feeling disorders.
In many cases, the pain in the forearm occurs as a result of movement, for example when lifting objects, rotating movements when opening a bottle, often while working on the PC or using the mouse - for some people, however, the symptoms also show up in the Hibernation.
Discomfort and symptoms
Forearm pain is a common symptom, which can be caused by many different causes, such as bone and joint problems, muscle problems, nerve irritation or nerve damage or circulatory disorders.
In many cases, the forearm is overstressed (for example, by monotonous movements, sports or computer work), which can lead to muscle or connective tissue tension, tears and strains and thus cause the pain. In this context, tendonitis is the trigger for the complaints, which are caused by great strain or constant overloading of the muscles, tendons and ligaments. This is mostly due to incorrect posture, incorrect sports techniques or non-ergonomic PC workstations as well as other activities in which there is monotonous mechanical stress on the wrist and forearm (for example hairdressers, masseurs or bakers).
In addition to tendonitis, acute or chronic overloading of the hands and forearms can also lead to the so-called golf elbow, tennis arm or mouse arm (RSI syndrome or repetitive strain injection), which are sometimes accompanied by severe pain and restricted mobility of the arms and hands.
For example, the tennis elbow and golf elbow are characterized by inflammatory or degenerative changes in the elbow area and result in a restricted usability of the affected arm. Tennis and golf players are often affected due to the movement patterns of both sports, in most cases, however, wrong postures (for example, when doing housework or sleeping) or sports techniques as well as workloads (manual work or intensive PC work) are the triggers.
The RSI syndrome or Repetitive Strain Injury (translated: injury from repeated stress) arises as a result of long-term, repetitively fast, monotonous movements, which primarily means non-stop activity on the keyboard or computer mouse - hence the term "mouse arm". Depending on the individual disposition and the posture requirements at the workplace, the mouse arm can affect nerves, tendons, muscles, joints or connective tissue; in addition to the pain, typical symptoms include abnormal sensations and a loss of strength in the affected hands or arms, the mobility of which can be severely restricted.
Bruises or fractures caused by falls or accidents often cause very severe forearm pain. In the event of a forearm fracture, for example, either the ulna or the spoke (sometimes both at the same time) are usually separated by external influences. In most cases, this happens through a fall (for example, during sports), in which the person tries to cushion themselves on the outstretched hand, whereby a large part of their own body weight is shifted to the narrow forearm bones, which cannot withstand the pressure and finally give in. Even severe bone diseases such as osteoporosis can lead to a fracture of the forearm and thus to severe forearm pain, which usually lasts quite a long time, since movements after a few weeks in plaster are initially restricted and painful.
Nerve irritation can also affect the radial nerve, which is the only one of the three supplying forearm nerves that runs backwards in the armpit and has to pass a constriction between the so-called "external rotators" of the arm, approximately at the level of the outer edge of the shoulder blade. Here it can be assumed that overexertion of the forearm, for example due to the unnatural inward turning of the arm and shoulder during PC work or use of the mouse, can cause the muscles to become tense and the radial nerve to be clamped or irritate. In addition, the third supplying nerve of the forearm - the ulnar nerve - can be pinched off, for example, by supporting the elbow and its course can lead to complaints on the inside of the arm or to elbow pain.
Diagnosis and therapy
Before the forearm pain can be treated, the doctor must first clearly identify where exactly the pain is occurring and what the cause of the complaint is. It should always be ensured that the forearm is not viewed in isolation - because in the case of the very common tension in muscles and connective tissue, for example, there is usually a close connection with misuse of the upper arm and shoulder. The diagnosis is therefore usually made through a detailed medical history (previous illnesses, sports and occupational stress etc.) and the clarification of the symptoms by scanning the painful areas and movement tests. Imaging methods such as X-rays and laboratory examinations are also used to provide support or if anything is unclear.
For forearm fractures, treatment is based on where the bone is broken and whether other body structures are affected. In the event of shaft fractures, surgical intervention is usually necessary, in which the fracture is screwed to a plate. Broken elbows and spokes near the wrist are also usually surgically stabilized, especially if the joint surface is affected. In the case of fractures that are not shifted enough, conservative treatment is sufficient in most cases - the fracture is first set up under local anesthesia or brief anesthesia, and then the arm is stabilized by a plaster splint. After a few days, the patient is usually given an all-round plaster cast instead of the splint, which is worn for a further 4–6 weeks.
In the case of tendonitis, it is primarily important to protect the affected area; stabilizing bandages or support bandages are usually used for this. Cool compresses help with swelling or redness, in addition, pain and anti-inflammatory creams or tablets, if necessary, can relieve the symptoms, in serious cases an experienced doctor can also inject cortisone into the inflamed region. In chronic tendonitis that does not respond to conventional measures, surgery is rarely performed - the narrowed area on the tendon sheath is split open and thus relieved.
Even with a tennis elbow, golf elbow and mouse arm, the therapy is initially conservative, i.e. non-operative. Depending on the case, physical applications in the form of cold treatments or heat therapy, stretching exercises, massages or local ultrasound and microwave treatment are suitable as the first measures for pain relief. In addition, ointment dressings and medications (e.g. painkillers or cortisone injections) can also be used here. If this treatment is unsuccessful, the next step is usually to try to improve the symptoms using a forearm cast.
If the forearm pain is based on damage to the nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery can be avoided in many cases at an early stage by alleviating the symptoms, for example with wrist splint or anti-inflammatory cortisone in the form of tablets or syringes in the carpal tunnel. However, it should be noted that treatment with cortisone should only be carried out over a short period of time. If the disease is more advanced or if the symptoms persist despite these measures, surgery is an option. This breaks the ligament structure that forms the "roof" of the carpal tunnel, relieving the nerves.
In principle, it should be borne in mind that forearm complaints as a result of overloading, incorrect posture, etc. can only be alleviated in the long term if the circumstances causing it are changed. This can be implemented relatively quickly and easily, for example, when working on a PC by optimizing the workstation (correct height of monitor monitors, supports for the palm of the hand and forearms, larger mouse, etc.) and generally avoiding unfavorable postures or movements.
Naturopathy
In addition to conventional medicine, various naturopathic treatments can also be used to treat forearm pain. For example, herbal medicine offers, among other things, preparations with arnica or combination preparations made from essential oils such as bergamot, lavender, orange and lemon oil, which can have a soothing effect, in cases of severe pain in tendon, ligament and muscle attachments. Homeopathy also offers numerous remedies for pain or pain conditions such as arnica or hypericum - however, an appropriate expert should always be consulted here in order to individually coordinate the right remedy and the right dosage.
For forearm pain caused by tension, massages or progressive muscle relaxation also help in many cases. In addition, acupuncture is often recommended, for example, on a tennis elbow or golf elbow, since it serves to relieve pain and can also stop the inflammation process - provided the pain-causing activity (such as playing tennis) is discontinued. Since the forearm should not be considered in isolation for a reliable diagnosis and effective therapy, osteopathy or Rolfing often offer sensible treatment approaches. Here, the forearm is considered in relation to the entire arm and shoulder, which is essential in order to provide those affected with instructions for the time after the therapy, for example with a view to preventing pain or avoiding postural damage. (No)
Also read:
The carpal tunnel syndrome
Knee pain
Pain when lifting the arm
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the requirements of the medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical doctors.
Dipl. Social Science Nina Reese
Swell:
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