Should I Seek Medical Attention for My Arm and Shoulder Pain?
Age: 33, Male While officiating a football match on Friday evening, I collided with a cameraman and took a hard fall, impacting the ground while nearly sprinting. There's footage that captures my attempt to break the fall, yet since then, I officiated another game on Saturday. By yesterday, I began to experience a numb sensation in my arm along with soreness. Additionally, I have localized pain approximately four inches above my elbow. Currently, my arm retains a slight numbness, and I feel discomfort in my shoulder, particularly in the area adjacent to my shoulder blade. Although I don't experience nausea, my condition doesn’t feel quite right. I am still able to eat and keep food down without issue. The most pronounced pain occurs when I raise my arm above my head in a mock strongman pose, especially in that specific area above my elbow, on the backside of my arm. In terms of past injuries, I had a fracture in my hand (on the opposite arm, sustained in a similar manner) last year. I’m reaching out to understand when it would be advisable to seek medical evaluation and what type of facility would be the most appropriate for this kind of injury.
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 12:10:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel concerned when experiencing arm and shoulder pain, especially after a fall. Given your symptoms of numbness, soreness, and localized pain, it's important to take these seriously, as they could indicate a need for medical evaluation.
Explanation
The numbness and pain you describe following a fall could suggest a possible nerve injury or muscle strain. Injuries from impacts can sometimes lead to conditions like a rotator cuff injury, muscle strain, or even nerve compression in the neck or shoulder area. The fact that your symptoms are worsening or not improving, particularly with movements that exacerbate the pain, is particularly noteworthy.
Next Steps
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Immediate Care:
- Rest your arm: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, particularly movements above your head.
- Ice the area: Apply ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce swelling and numb the pain.
- Over-the-counter pain relief: Consider taking ibuprofen or acetaminophen as needed to help manage pain and discomfort.
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Monitoring Symptoms:
- Pay attention to any worsening symptoms, such as increased numbness, weakness in your arm, or significant inability to move your shoulder.
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When to Seek Medical Attention:
- If symptoms don't improve within the next few days, or if you experience severe pain, increasing numbness, or weakness, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.
- Opt for an urgent care facility or an orthopedic clinic specializing in sports injuries, as they can better assess your condition and may require diagnostic imaging, like an X-ray or MRI, to evaluate for fractures or tears.
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Documentation:
- Keep a record of how the symptoms develop, any movements that cause pain, and any other changes you notice. This information will be helpful for the healthcare provider if you need to seek care.
Prioritize these steps, and remember that early intervention is key to effective treatment and recovery. If you have any more questions or need further clarity, feel free to ask!
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