What causes arm pain in elderly people?

Generally, arm pain in elderly individuals may be caused by factors such as cold exposure, fatigue, osteoporosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, or rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment under a doctor's guidance may include general management and medication. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Cold Exposure

When an elderly person's arm is exposed to cold, local blood circulation slows down. Muscles and ligaments, as soft tissues, contract due to cold stimulation, leading to muscle spasms and subsequent arm pain. It is important to keep the arms warm and avoid further cold exposure.

2. Fatigue

Prolonged heavy physical labor or overuse of the arm can lead to excessive fatigue in muscles and ligaments, causing lactic acid buildup and resulting in arm pain. In daily life, muscle relaxation techniques such as massage and manipulation may help alleviate symptoms.

3. Osteoporosis

Aging, genetics, and hormonal imbalances are risk factors for osteoporosis. This condition may reduce bone load-bearing capacity, making fractures or bone pain more likely even with minor trauma, thus causing the aforementioned symptoms. Swelling or deformity at the fracture site may also occur. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as calcium carbonate D3 tablets, alendronate sodium tablets, or calcitriol soft capsules.

4. Periarthritis of the Shoulder

Periarthritis of the shoulder may be associated with cold exposure, chronic strain, or shoulder injury. It can cause local congestion, edema, and adhesions in the arm, leading to pain. Symptoms may include limited shoulder joint movement and stiffness. Medications such as loxoprofen sodium tablets, Huoxue Zhitong capsules, or celecoxib capsules should be used under medical guidance.

5. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is usually triggered by genetic factors, microbial infections, or endocrine disorders. Inflammation leads to synovial thickening, pannus formation, and cartilage destruction, resulting in arm pain. Symptoms may include morning stiffness and joint swelling. Treatment should be conducted under a doctor’s supervision using medications such as prednisone acetate tablets, cyclophosphamide compound tablets, or enteric-coated aspirin tablets.

Elderly individuals should maintain body warmth, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in appropriate light physical activity to promote blood circulation and prevent the occurrence of arm pain.