WITH 30 bones from shoulder to fingers, our arms – from the Latin arma, meaning tools of war – are not only incredibly useful, but also an indicator of how healthy you are.
A recent study found that people with high levels of body fat stored in their arms are at greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
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Researchers in China also observed that people with greater muscle strength were less likely to develop the disease compared to those with lower muscle strength.
Dr Helen Wall, senior partner at NHS Oaks Family Practice in Bolton, told Sun Health: “Guns can tell us a lot about overall health.
“There are certain problems that patients may experience with their arms that may appear unrelated to illnesses such as cancer or dementia, but can be real warning signs for medical professionals. Even things like ectopic pregnancy can manifest with signs and symptoms in the arms and shoulders.”
If you’ve ever felt aches, pains, or twinges, your arms may be giving you messages about your health.
Dr Helen reveals what’s harmless, what’s not and when to seek help. . .
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SLIPPED DISC
FEELING a tingling sensation running down your arms is probably a pins and needles attack.
But in some rarer cases, it could be a sign of an agonizing back problem.
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Dr Helen says: “Discs are soft lumps between the bones of the spine. They contain the spinal column and when they are not happy, the spinal nerves send messages warning the brain.
“In the case of a herniated disc or disc problems in the neck, arms can tingle, grip strength can be affected, and even things like picking up a mug can become a real problem.”
When to get help: Dr Helen says: “If you feel tingling in your arms or there is a difference in one or both and what they can do in terms of strength, contact your GP and they should arrange a consultation to investigate. ”
COBREIRO
Although many people think you can get shingles, it’s actually a reactivation of the chickenpox virus, explains Dr. Helen.
“Although the rash is common, someone with shingles may also experience tingling in their arms before the rash. In fact, you can feel tingling anywhere on your body,” she says.
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“Herpes can cause nerve pain, so sometimes people can experience arm pain and tingling so bad that it hurts to have any tissue near the affected area.”
When to seek help: Dr Helen says: “If you develop arm pain and a rash at the same time, it’s worth getting checked out. Pharmacists can help with shingles, so if you think you might have it, go and see them and they can provide the same treatments that a family doctor can.
FIBROMYALGIA
LADY Gaga has spoken out about living with pain as a result of fibromyalgia and Kirsty Young’s experience with the condition has forced her to put down her headphones as presenter of BBC’s Desert Island Discs.
The condition is characterized by musculoskeletal pain throughout the body, but often the pain is felt specifically in the chest and arms, explains Dr. Helen.
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She says: “People with this condition often report feeling like their arms are swollen, even if there is no visible inflammation or swelling. It may feel like aching, burning or throbbing, even a sharp pain.
When to seek help: Dr Helen says: “If you experience anything like tingling or pain in your arms accompanied by difficulty sleeping and excessive fatigue, speak to your doctor who will be able to arrange further tests.”
PANCOAST TUMOR
It’s not the first place you’d expect to notice symptoms of a lung tumor, but arm pain could be a warning sign of something sinister.
Helen says: “Pancoast tumors are those that occur in the upper section or upper part of the semicircle of the lungs.
“They are often diagnosed late because they do not present many common symptoms, but they have pain in the shoulders and arms, which is often persistent, but worsens at night. They may also present with unilateral arm weakness.”
When to get help: Dr Helen says: “If you have arm pain like this accompanied by shortness of breath, weight loss, coughing or coughing up blood, make an appointment with your GP who will refer you for exams and probably for a chest exam. X-ray.
“However, Pancoast tumors can present without any symptoms other than chest pain.”
LEWY BODY DEMENTIA
It is the third most common type of dementia, and along with memory problems, dementia with Lewy bodies can also cause symptoms in the limbs.
Helen says: “LBD affects the dopamine-producing area of the brain, which is responsible for arousal, so people with it can experience hallucinations as well as changes in arm movements.”
The NHS also lists slow movement, stiff limbs and tremors as signs of the disease.
When to get help: Dr Helen says: “Any change in the arm that involves tremor, stiffness or slowness of movement and includes hallucinations needs to be investigated immediately, whether it is occurring in one or both arms. Other symptoms include shuffling walking and loss of coordination.”
PARKINSON
MOST people are familiar with tremors as a symptom of Parkinson’s disease, but the neurological condition can also affect the arms in other ways.
Dr Helen warns: “If your arms are moving as if they are on a gear, rather than in a fluid movement, this could be a symptom of Parkinson’s.
“It can affect one arm or both to the same degree, but there is stiffness in the arms and sometimes a tremor as well.
“Many people first notice a symptom when they are unable to hold a pen or mug as they normally would.”
When to get help: Dr Helen advises: “Any change in grip strength deserves investigation.
“There is no Parkinson’s test, but your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms and refer you to a neurologist if necessary.”
HEART ATTACK
THERE is a common misconception that people who suffer a heart attack will collapse by clutching their chest, like you see in the movies.
Dr Helen says: “I’ve had patients in the clinic tell me they can’t be having a heart attack when they go to work, but they definitely can. Pressure or discomfort in the left arm can be a symptom of a heart attack, but it can also affect both arms.”
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When to get help: Dr. Helen says, “If the onset of pain is sudden, go to your doctor or emergency room, or call 111. They will be able to explain what you should do next.
“Shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue are also symptoms, don’t delay in seeking help.”
APPENDICITIS
FEW people would think that there is a connection between the arms and the appendix.
But Dr Helen explains: “Appendicitis can present with pain in the arm or tip of the shoulder, along with pain in the lower abdomen, specifically the right side.”
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When to get help: Dr Helen says: “If you have nausea, loss of appetite and pain that gets worse when walking or coughing, call your GP or 111.
“Arm pain in appendicitis is often secondary, but should not be ignored as a symptom.”
“Arm pain in appendicitis is often secondary, but should not be ignored as a symptom.”
TENNIS ELBOW
The condition causes swelling or rupture of the tendons that help the wrist move away from the palm.
“We often see this in people with repetitive jobs, such as typists or butchers,” says Dr Helen.
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“It happens when people do the same maneuver constantly and this is felt mainly on the outside of the elbow.
“The pain should subside within two to four weeks, but unfortunately many people who have this condition are unable to take this time off work.”
When to seek help: Dr. Helen says, “If it’s a hobby that caused it, rest your arm for a few weeks. If pain persists, consult your pharmacist for anti-inflammatory medications.
“If you are unable to stop the movement that is causing it, see your doctor as they may be able to excuse you from work if necessary as the only thing that stops tennis elbow is to stop the movement that caused it.”
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
DR Helen says: “No one knows why ectopic pregnancy can present with shoulder pain, but shoulder pain accompanied by abdominal pain can be a symptom of something happening in the abdominal cavity.
“It’s called referred pain by doctors because it’s not at the location of the problem itself.”
When to seek help: Dr Helen says: “A woman who has shoulder pain and no injury or impingement always makes me want to take a pregnancy test first, for an ectopic pregnancy.
“But equally, a man or woman having the same symptoms could mean sepsis or intestinal perforation, including stomach ulcers.”
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
DR Helen says: “This occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed by a range of conditions, including pregnancy, fracture or dislocation, menopause, thyroid problems and diabetes.
“Symptoms include pain or pain in the fingers, hands or arms, numbness in the hands or arms, tingling, and pins and needles.”
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When to get help: Dr Helen says: “If your symptoms are mild, speak to your GP, explaining everything in as much detail and medical history as possible.
“It’s worth making an appointment with the nurse at your practice, who can do an exam and go from there.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
