Symptoms of pain in left hand
Pain in the left arm is a symptom that many people ignore, mistaking it for sleeplessness, fatigue or overwork. But it is not always right to ignore it. Sometimes this pain can be a sign of problems related to bones, muscles or nerves. Apart from this, in some cases it can also be an early sign of heart disease or heart attack.
When do you need to go to the hospital?
If the pain starts suddenly and is accompanied by difficulty in breathing, cold sweat, chest pressure, nausea or pain in the jaw, one should immediately go to the hospital as it is a sign of a heart attack. Additionally, if the pain starts in the neck and spreads to the fingers and is accompanied by numbness or tingling, it may be a sign of nerve compression or cervical radiculopathy.
Common causes of pain in left hand
Know what are the common causes
There can be many reasons behind pain in the left hand, such as nerve problems, injury, bone injury, spine disease and muscle strain.
signs of bone fracture
broken bone
If the hand is injured in a road accident, fall or during sports and is followed by swelling, severe pain, difficulty in moving the hand or a change in the shape of the hand, then there may be a possibility of a bone fracture. There is constant pain in the fracture and without treatment the bone does not join properly.
slip disc problem
slip disc problem
The disc present in the neck spine can come out and put pressure on the nerve. In such a situation, the pain is not limited to the neck only, but it can spread to the arms, shoulders and fingers. Some patients may also feel tingling or weakness in the hand.
pinched nerve
pinched nerve
When the nerve originating from the neck gets compressed, the pain can extend through the neck to the entire arm. This is called cervical radiculopathy.
sprains and muscle strains
sprains and muscle strains
Lifting heavy weights in the gym, doing the same thing repeatedly or experiencing a sudden blow can cause muscle and ligament strain. Usually, doing activity in such a situation increases the pain, whereas it gradually reduces with rest.
signs of heart disease
Left hand pain can become heart disease
During a heart attack, not enough blood reaches the heart muscle. Its pain is not limited to the chest only, but due to the common path of nerves, it can be felt in the left shoulder, arm, jaw, neck and back.
However, not every heart attack causes left arm pain. If it is accompanied by chest pressure or tightness, it should not be ignored.
signs for emergency help
Seek emergency help in these symptoms
breathing problems
chest pressure or severe pain
cold sweat
nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
pain spreading to the back, neck, or jaw
feeling faint
sudden weakness
These may be signs of a heart attack or other serious heart problems.
conclusion
However, pain in the left arm is not always a sign of a heart attack, but sometimes it can be a warning of a life-threatening condition. If the pain is due to sprain, pinched nerve, injury or slipped disc, timely treatment can provide relief. If the pain is accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, cold sweat, chest tightness or nausea, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately. Correct identification and treatment is the key to avoiding serious complications.