What should I do if my arm cannot fully straighten and it hurts when I try to straighten it?

The arm cannot be straightened, and attempting to do so causes pain. Treatment should target the underlying cause of the symptoms. Common causes include muscle strain, degenerative joint disease, and cervical spondylosis.

1. Muscle strain: If caused by muscle strain, it is recommended to rest adequately. Under a doctor's guidance, treatments such as ultrasound therapy, infrared radiation, or heat application may help improve local blood circulation, relax muscles, and promote self-healing, thereby alleviating symptoms. For severe pain, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as etoricoxib tablets or celecoxib capsules may be prescribed to reduce aseptic inflammation and relieve pain.

2. Degenerative joint disease: If due to degenerative joint disease, treatment under medical supervision may include oral administration of glucosamine sulfate capsules or glucosamine chondroitin supplements. These agents participate directly in cartilage metabolism and help slow cartilage deterioration. Additionally, physical therapies such as massage, acupuncture, and heat therapy—administered under medical guidance—can enhance local blood flow, support joint health, and improve symptoms.

3. Cervical spondylosis: If symptoms are caused by cervical spondylosis, nerve-nourishing medications such as mecobalamin tablets or vitamin B1 tablets may be taken under a doctor’s direction to promote recovery of nerve function. In cases of severe pain, medications such as celecoxib capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets may be used as directed to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.

In addition, this condition may also result from soft tissue injuries, gout, or other causes. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate, targeted treatment.