Left arm heaviness and hand numbness at age sixty
In general, a feeling of heaviness or fatigue in the arm usually refers to arm weakness. Left arm weakness accompanied by hand numbness in a 60-year-old individual may be related to nerve damage, shoulder arthritis, cervical spondylosis, or other causes. Treatment options include medication and surgery, among others. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Nerve Damage
In daily life, bumps or impacts may lead to nerve injury. Patients often experience symptoms such as stabbing pain, numbness, severe pain, and swelling. During the illness, patients may take neurotrophic medications such as mecobalamin tablets or oryzanol tablets under medical guidance.
2. Shoulder Arthritis
Shoulder arthritis is a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage and tissues of the shoulder joint. Repeated stimulation from aseptic inflammation may lead to symptoms such as shoulder and arm pain and numbness. Patients may take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or diclofenac sodium sustained-release capsules as directed by a physician.
3. Cervical Spondylosis
Cervical spondylosis involves diseases of the cervical vertebrae and soft tissues. When protruding cervical structures compress surrounding blood vessels or nerves, it may cause symptoms including limb numbness, weakness, pain, and sensory dysfunction. Patients may undergo surgical treatments such as anterior cervical decompression or posterior cervical decompression under a doctor's guidance.
Besides the common causes mentioned above, left arm weakness and numbness may also be associated with conditions such as diabetes, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, aortic valve stenosis, or mitral valve stenosis. If clinical symptoms are severe, patients are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital.