Infections in the arms
Sometimes an arm or hand can be painful because there is an infection nearby. This is important to determine, as often it will require antibiotics to get better.
Symptoms may include
- Fevers
- Rash over the area - or skin redness
- Skin might be hot to touch
These infections can sometimes arise at the same time as a cough or cold or flu.
Diabetics
Patients who are diabetic have a higher chance of developing a conditions called ‘neuropathy’. This condition is when the nerves in the hands, feet and arms may be damaged.
The symptoms may include:
- numbness and tingling in the feet or hands
- burning, stabbing or shooting pain in affected areas
- loss of balance and co-ordination
- muscle weakness, especially in the feet
Diabetics who experience these symptoms should be seen earlier than non-diabetics, as this may be a sign that their blood sugar levels are not well controlled.
Safeguarding concerns
Some children and adults may experience injuries or problems with their hands or arms. For those patients where we have previously documented safeguarding concerns, it is important that we do not miss any potential non-accidental injuries or safety concerns.
If you have concerns about a patient, please notify either the duty doctor or care coordinator at your site.
Most injuries should be sent to A&E for assessment but it is useful for us to be aware as well, as sometimes paperwork from the A&E department can take a few days to appear on a patient’s notes.
Pain relief
For patient who have a known diagnosis with a chronic issue with their joint, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis or gout, we may be able to assist with medication for pain management. It may be that they are just having a ‘flare’ up of their pain. Our pharmacy team will be able to discuss their pain and recommend some alternative pain treatments to try.
If a patient does not have a diagnosis yet - i.e., we don’t know what is causing their pain - then they will need to see either our PA or GP team to get a diagnosis first.
Blood clots in the arms
Blood clots in the arms are more rare than blood clots in the legs. However, we should ask questions to make sure we do not miss one.
Symptoms of blood clots in the arms can include:
- Swelling in one arm compared to the other
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Shortness of breath
A patient may have previously experienced long-haul travel or recent immobility.
Patients with a combination of these symptoms should be sent to A&E for further assessment.