Arm pain

If you feel pain in the tendons of your arms, it is most likely caused by muscle strain, especially if you exercise regularly, lift heavy objects, etc., which may lead to symptoms. It is difficult to judge whether the pain in the arm tendons is a muscle strain based on a single symptom. We need to have a full understanding of the situation of muscle strain so that we can make a better judgment. Let’s take a closer look below.

Muscle strain symptoms

1. Local pain, tenderness; swelling, muscle tension, stiffness, spasm; functional impairment.

2. When the injured muscle is actively contracted or passively stretched, the pain worsens, and the muscle contraction resistance test is positive, which means that the pain worsens or a rupture depression appears.

3. Some wounded people have a tearing sensation, obvious swelling and severe subcutaneous congestion. When touched, there is a depression in the local area or an abnormal bulge at one end, which may be a muscle rupture.

How to recover from a muscle strain?

Symptoms of muscle strain How to recover quickly from muscle strain Causes of muscle strain

1. Relax the strained muscles

If you want to recover quickly after a muscle strain, you should let the muscles rest as much as possible, such as stopping exercise and trying to relax the strained muscles. You should also ensure rest in the next week and avoid using the injured part for activities.

2. Apply cold compress to the strained muscle

If it is a muscle strain, it may cause inflammation. Generally, when muscle fibers are torn, the immune system will release more white blood cells to help heal damaged cells, connective tissue, etc., but excessive inflammation in this process may cause greater pain. Therefore, using cold compress can help constrict local blood vessels and reduce inflammatory response.

Note: The cold compress method is only suitable for acute muscle strain. Generally, cold compress can be used 2 days after muscle strain.

3. Apply heat to the strained muscle

If the muscle strain has lasted for some time, more than 3 days or even 1 week, in chronic muscle strain, the muscles will generally become weakened, the normal blood flow will be too tense and lacking, and the muscles will be prone to lack of oxygen and glucose. Applying heat can improve blood flow and promote healing of chronically tense muscle tissue.

Note: Hot compress is generally used 3 days after muscle strain.

4. Shallow stretching of the strained muscle

If you want to recover quickly after a muscle strain, you can use shallow stretching. Stretching can help keep your muscles flexible and prevent cramps. Start two to three times daily and hold long, deep breaths for 15–20 seconds.

Note: Shallow stretching requires smaller stretching movements and shorter durations. Do not overdo it to avoid causing greater muscle discomfort.

5. Massage the strained muscles

After a muscle strain, massaging the strained area can help reduce muscle spasms, relax the muscles, fight inflammation and relieve discomfort.

6. Stimulate the strained muscles

If you want to recover quickly after a muscle strain, you can use muscle stimulation therapy under the guidance of a doctor. Electric current is transmitted to the injured muscle tissue to cause contraction, which helps to eliminate inflammation and reduce pain and discomfort.