Upper Limb Pain

At Nexus Pain Management we are experts in diagnosing and treating all facets of pain from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. We offer treatment solutions for any cause of pain from mechanical issues (such as joint, tendon, ligament damage, hypermobility), neuropathic pains (pain resulting from nerve damage or over-activation), pre- and post-surgical pain, acute to chronic pains and anything in between.

Upper limb pain can be particularly debilitating given we need our arms and hands for so many of our important daily activities. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for effective treatment. Below, we outline common causes of pain in the shoulder, elbow, and hand/wrist regions.

Shoulder Pain

The shoulder is a highly mobile joint that is susceptible to a variety of injuries and conditions. Common causes of shoulder pain include:

• Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy or Tear – Inflammation or tearing of the rotator cuff tendons, leading to pain and weakness.

• Shoulder Impingement Syndrome – Compression of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa between the bones of the shoulder.

• Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) – Stiffness and pain due to inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule.

• Shoulder Instability or Dislocation – Looseness of the joint or previous dislocations causing pain and recurrent instability.

• Osteoarthritis – Degeneration of the shoulder joint cartilage leading to pain and reduced mobility.

• Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa, often due to overuse or repetitive motion.

• Referred Pain from the Neck – Cervical spine issues, such as nerve compression, can radiate pain to the shoulder.

Elbow Pain

Elbow pain can arise from overuse, trauma, or degenerative conditions. Common causes include:

• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia) – Overuse of the forearm muscles leading to pain on the outer elbow.

• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia) – Similar to tennis elbow, but affecting the inner side of the elbow.

• Olecranon Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa at the tip of the elbow, causing swelling and discomfort.

• Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) – Compression of the ulnar nerve, leading to numbness, tingling, and pain.

• Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis – Joint degeneration or autoimmune inflammation affecting elbow function.

• Radial Tunnel Syndrome and/or Posterior Interosseous Nerve Entrapment – Compression of the radial nerve leading to pain along the forearm and elbow.

• Fractures or Ligament Injuries – Trauma-related injuries causing pain, swelling, and instability.

Hand and Wrist Pain

Pain in the hand and wrist can affect grip strength and dexterity. Common causes include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Compression of the median nerve causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

• De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis – Inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, leading to pain with movement.

• Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) – Inflammation of the flexor tendons causing a finger to catch or lock in a bent position.

• Arthritis (Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis) – Degenerative or inflammatory joint conditions affecting the hand and wrist.

• Ganglion Cysts – Fluid-filled lumps that develop along tendons or joints, causing discomfort.

• Wrist Sprains or Fractures – Trauma-induced injuries that result in pain and functional impairment.

• Nerve Compression Syndromes (e.g., Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) – Compression of nerves affecting sensation and motor function in the hand.