Am I Seeing the Right Specialist for My Condition?
I am currently managing high blood pressure with Labetalol and taking Sertraline to address my OCD and anxiety issues. Additionally, I am breastfeeding and have never smoked or used illicit substances, with alcohol consumption limited to rare occasions. In late April, while massaging my arm, I discovered a small lump beneath the skin on the upper part of my arm close to my shoulder. Although the lump is not hard, it is somewhat firm and becomes painful when pressure is applied. I decided to wait and see if the lump would disappear on its own. It did reduce in size—about half of its original size—but unfortunately, it hasn’t completely resolved. I suspect it might be connected to the muscle, though I can’t say for certain. The bump is not visible; it can only be detected through touch. Recently, I've also started experiencing pain in my shoulder joint. This brings me to my concern: I scheduled an appointment with an orthopedist because I believe my issue hinges on my arm, shoulder, or muscles. However, my mother has raised doubts about whether an orthopedist is the correct choice for my situation. Can anyone provide clarity on this? I will also share a picture of the area where the lump is located to assist in understanding my issue better.
Answers (1)
6/23/2025, 4:31:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to seek clarity about your condition and whether you're seeing the right specialist. Given your symptoms, an appointment with an orthopedist is a reasonable choice since they focus on issues related to bones, muscles, and joints, which seems relevant to the lump and recent shoulder pain you're experiencing.
Explanation:
You mentioned a firm lump in your arm that has changed in size, as well as shoulder pain. While the initial assessment by an orthopedist can help determine if there's a musculoskeletal issue, such as a cyst, a muscle strain, or another condition, it's also important to be aware that other specialists, like a primary care doctor or a rheumatologist, might be helpful if conditions like inflammation or underlying systemic issues are involved.
Next Steps:
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Attend Your Orthopedic Appointment: Bring up the lump, its changes, and the shoulder pain. The orthopedist will assess these issues and may perform imaging or physical evaluations to understand better what’s going on.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the lump (e.g., size, pain level) and your shoulder pain. Note any new symptoms that may arise.
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Follow-Up Plan: Depending on the orthopedist's findings, be prepared for a discussion about potential next steps. This could include imaging tests (like an ultrasound or MRI), physical therapy, or referrals to other specialists if necessary.
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Seek Immediate Care if Needed: If you experience increased pain, swelling, or any new symptoms like fever or redness, consider seeking care earlier, as this could indicate an infection or other issues requiring prompt attention.
Take comfort in knowing that you are on the right track by seeking help, and be open to the possibility of further evaluation based on what the orthopedist recommends.
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