A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (looking at) and palpation (feeling) of the shoulder, upper and lower arm, and hands. Auscultation (listening) of the heart Auscultation (listening) of the lungs Orthopedic examination – including range of … Arm Pain: Examination
2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count Differential blood count Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Thyroid parameters (TSH, fT3, fT4) – myxedema may be the cause of carpel tunnel syndrome … Arm Pain: Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – for suspected angina pectoris (“chest tightness”; sudden onset of pain in the heart area). Stress ECG (electrocardiogram … Arm Pain: Diagnostic Tests
The following symptoms and complaints may occur along with arm pain: Leading symptoms Acute versus chronic arm pain Sharp versus dull pain Radiating pain Load-dependent pain Associated symptoms Movement restriction Neurological symptoms such as paresthesias (misfeeling). Warning signs (red flags) Anamnestic information: Smoker → think of: Pancoast tumor (synonym: apical sulcus tumor) – rapidly progressive … Arm Pain: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
The medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of arm pain. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Social history What is your profession? Is there any evidence of psychosocial stress or strain due to your family situation? Current medical history/systemic history (somatic and psychological complaints). … Arm Pain: Medical History
Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Cervical rib – supernumerary rib that may occur on the fourth to seventh cervical vertebrae. Cardiovascular system (I00-I99). Aneurysm of the subclavian artery – wall outpouching of the subclavian artery. Angina pectoris (“chest tightness”; sudden pain in the heart area) – due toacute coronary syndrome (ACS), coronary artery … Arm Pain: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
