A sore forearm is a common problem among those who perform a lot of repetitive motion. For instance, those who work in a vocation that requires swinging a hammer may be prone to having pain in the lower part of the arm. Some sports, including baseball, can also contribute to a sore forearm. If the pain is extreme and the patient thinks there may be muscle damage, a trip to the doctor may be in order. For pain associated with normal, everyday tasks, however, there are several methods of treatment that can be carried out at home, including massage, stretching, and ice application.
Applying ice to a sore forearm is often the first method of treatment recommended. The use of an ice pack can often reduce any muscle swelling or inflammation that may have occurred as a result of the muscle strain. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen can also help reduce both the pain and inflammation. It is generally a good idea to rest the muscle as much as possible for the first couple of days following any type of injury.
Gentle massage is often a useful treatment for a sore forearm. Sometimes, pain in this area of the body can actually originate in the neck and shoulders. Therefore, massaging these areas can also prove to be beneficial. Wrapping an object such as a tennis ball in a sock and using it to carefully massage sore muscles often works wonders for this type of pain. Another option is to visit a massage therapist who specializes in this type of pain.
Gentle stretching exercises can often help to reduce the pain of a sore forearm. However, if this stretching leads to an increase in pain, it should be discontinued until the patient has seen a physician in order to make sure there is no significant muscle damage. The doctor may recommend a visit to a physical therapist who can help the patient to create a safe exercise program for the sore muscles.
If the above methods do not provide adequate relief or if the pain and inflammation become worse, it is important to see a doctor to obtain a proper diagnosis. If the muscles or ligaments in the arm have been significantly damaged, more aggressive forms of treatment may become necessary. For instance, if the muscle tissue has been torn or if a ligament has been torn away from the bone, surgery to repair the damaged tissues may become necessary.
