Arm pain

[Applejack87]

Hi before Christmas I started experiencing pain in my bicep it’s not constant but if I make a sudden movement a burning pain shoots down my arm for a few seconds I’ve also got problems putting my arm behind my back . It’s really odd as it’s not a constant pain . I’ve been doing gentle exercises bit really have to phone my Dr on Monday
I’ve been reading various forums and it seems quite common in menopause although what I’m experiencing could be something else
Has anyone else had this ?

For me this was the start of peri menopause. At the time it was quite frightening and I even ended up having MRIs and a brain scan before a new GP I happened to see suggested testing my estrogen. I was quickly put on HRT (I was 39). The only thing that helped with the arm pain was Amitriptyline.

Hi Rufus27, Thankyou for your reply , I keep thinking that maybe I’ve strained it some how but can’t think how . If I stretch in the morning the pain shoots down the inside of my arm I hope that I don’t need meds for it . Have you found that HRT has helped your joints ?

I started having a similar pain to what you describe in my upper arm/shoulder. And I couldn't lift my arm as high as my other arm. This started last April - about 5 months after my last period. I put up with it for a while (during lockdown 1.0) but kept worrying what it could be. In October I contacted the doctor and had blood tests and an X-ray to "rule things out". Apparently everything is ok - as per phone conversation. The assumption is it's a deep tissue injury- but I have my doubts. So I was referred for physio and managed one phone call session where I was given exercises to do, it seems to have aggravated whatever the issue is and I have been in lots of pain, keeps me awake etc. I was due my next phone call session but obviously and understandably it's been cancelled as all the staff are working on Covid related stuff. So I was really interested in your post. I think what is happening to me is Menopause related. In fact I now have a similar sensation in my leg joint. I don't think I can do anything about it due to NHS pressure and lockdown though. Did you contact the doctor? What did the doctor say to you?

@Applejack87

Hi Daftness , I haven’t spoken to my Dr about it tbh I keep putting it off as it’s difficult to even get a phone consultation atm.
I’ve been doing my own gentle exercises daily , the pain only really happens if I make a sudden movement I.e I could reach out to grab something it doesn’t feel as bad now & as previously mentioned it’s not a constant pain , hubby thinks it could be a nerve as Rufus mentioned
I’ve got a Dr phoning me about starting HRT on Monday if the problem persists with my arm I’ll
have to mention it
It’s strange but looking back when I was a teen my mum used to always complain about a pain in her arm maybe it’s the same thing with me
Let me know how your getting on

Thanks @Applejack87 . I'm going to wait another couple of months and then hopefully we can get appts/treatment and all will be well.

Yes! I'd assumed muscle pull of some sort but it comes and goes and is exactly as you've described, I'm 46.

Sounds like the start of frozen shoulder to me. It’s a horrid condition that affects people - lots of women - in 40s/50s, so around the time of menopause. I’d try and see a GP to talk through options, but if it’s frozen shoulder you might be in for a long haul.

Thankyou for your replies , I honestly think it’s menopause related, I can’t recall straining my arm
I think it could be getting a little bit better as even to stretch in the morning caused an awful electric shock down my tricep to my wrist, I do gently squeeze my shoulder blades together, rotate my shoulders & swing my painful arm back forth & circular , I do each of these a few of times a day & I try not to lift heavy items. I don’t know if I’m doing right or wrong but I’ll see how it is over the next couple of weeks . Puppy monkey I agree hospital appointments unless urgent are a no go .
I wouldn’t want to step in a hospital at the moment anyway this virus is a nightmare
Keep safe everyone & I hope that your symptoms get better

I have exactly the same - left bicep and shoulder. Am 48 and it started at Xmas. It was very painful at first and I couldn’t sleep on it. Still hurts but better than at first. Haven’t injured it and not frozen shoulder which I’ve had before. I also read somewhere it could be menopause related. Have been on hrt since last summer. Watching this thread with interest.

Strange question but Are you able to put your sore arm behind your back Smashingsmash?
Before Christmas I couldn’t get my arm past my side but now I can just about get it behind my back

@Applejack87 I couldn’t put it behind my back without it hurting - or lift above my head. Still hurts if taking a top off over my head but not as bad as it was. I’ve been doing similar to you - gentle exercises. Weird!

Definately the same symptoms , my arm doesn’t hurt unless I make a sudden movement, I could be reaching up into the cupboard & I’ll get the sharp pain down my arm . I really think it’s a common problem during menopause

I still diagnose frozen shoulder OP.

I realise this is an old post but I was searching mumsnet for arm pain and discovered it. I am experiencing exactly the same symptoms, I've had them for a few months, can't lift arm as high, can't put it behind my back, shooting pain if I make a sudden movement and I'm also peri menopause. Did anyone on here's symptoms eventually improve and, if so, how long did it take?