Nonspecific Arm Pain

Document Type : CURRENT CONCEPTS REVIEW

Authors

1 Department of Orthopedic Surgery Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street Boston, MA, 02114 USA.

2 Orthopedic Research Center Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Ghaem Hospital Mashhad University of Medical Sciences Ahmad-abad Street, Mashhad, 3316-913791 Iran.

Abstract

 
Nonspecific activity-related arm pain is characterized by an absence of objective physical findings and symptoms that do not correspond with objective pathophysiology. Arm pain without strict diagnosis is often related to activity, work-related activity in particular, and is often seen in patients with physically demanding work. Psychological factors such as catastrophic thinking, symptoms of depression, and heightened illness concern determine a substantial percentage of the disability associated with puzzling hand and arm pains. Ergonomic modifications can help to control symptoms, but optimal health may require collaborative management incorporating psychosocial and psychological elements of illness.

Keywords


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