Dead arm syndrome is a common problem that occurs when blood flow to the upper extremity is blocked or reduced. It can be either temporary or, in some cases, permanent and debilitating. A person could experience dead arm syndrome from smoking, heavy lifting, prolonged pressure on the arm such as carrying groceries or driving, or having a high body mass index. If the condition is temporary due to pressure on the arm, then it subsides as soon as that pressure dissipates. However, if dead arm syndrome occurs as a result of smoking, heavy lifting, or some other factor, there are ways the orthopedic doctors at Dines Orthopedics can help return circulation to the arm with dead arm syndrome treatment on the Upper East Side, NYC.
Can dead arm syndrome be treated at home?
At-home treatment methods for dead arm syndrome are similar to treating any injury in which blood flow is restricted, such as when a person has a cramp or muscle spasm in their leg. Resting and changing positions can be helpful until orthopedic doctors can treat the injury with medicine or surgery. Orthopedic doctors usually treat the condition by removing whatever is causing pressure on the arm and allowing the circulation to return.
Treatment options for dead arm syndrome
In many cases, dead arm syndrome does not require invasive treatment methods because it usually goes away on its own after a short period of time. However, if blood flow does not return soon, surgery may be necessary to remove blood clots or other obstructions that are preventing blood flow to the arm.
What causes dead arm syndrome?
Another factor that can contribute to dead arm syndrome is smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow and puts a person at a higher risk for developing other circulation problems, such as coronary artery disease or peripheral artery disease.
Those who have a high body mass index are also more susceptible to dead arm syndrome because excess weight puts more pressure on the blood vessels. In those cases, losing weight can help prevent dead arm syndrome from occurring as often.
How serious of a condition is dead arm syndrome?
In most cases, dead arm syndrome is not a serious condition. It may be uncomfortable and cause some tingling or numbness in the fingers but it does not cause any permanent damage to the nerves or arteries. If orthopedic doctors determine that dead arm syndrome is the result of smoking, heavy lifting, or another serious condition, they may treat it surgically to remove whatever is causing it.
What treatment options do orthopedic doctors offer?
Although dead arm syndrome can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful for a certain period of time, the effects are usually temporary. Orthopedic doctors usually prescribe medication to treat the symptoms until they go away. If blood flow is blocked for a long enough period of time, surgery may be necessary. Thankfully, we offer these services through our dead arm syndrome treatment on the Upper East Side, NYC.
Although orthopedic doctors treat dead arm syndrome through invasive methods such as surgery to remove clots and other obstructions in the blood vessels, there are at-home treatment methods that people can use to relieve their symptoms. Ice packs and over-the-counter painkillers can relieve the pain associated with dead arm syndrome. In some cases, staying engaged in activities such as reading or watching television helps keep blood flowing to the upper extremity until the condition dissipates. People should always call their orthopedic doctors if they experience any abnormal symptoms that do not improve after a few days.
The orthopedic doctor will ask for your medical history and perform a physical examination to determine why you developed dead arm syndrome. After the initial assessment, he or she may order an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan to confirm that there are no clots or other obstructions in the blood vessels. If they discover a clot, then they will treat it surgically. The doctor may also prescribe medication to help reduce the blood pressure and allow the circulation to return to your upper arm.
Dead Arm Syndrome Treatment on the Upper East Side, NYC
If you suspect that you have dead arm syndrome, contact your orthopedic doctor at Dines Orthopedics as soon as possible. Even if your symptoms don’t seem serious, always visit an orthopedic doctor before you attempt to treat the condition yourself. Orthopedic doctors can help you determine what treatment method will work best for your upper-body circulation troubles and prevent them from becoming a bigger problem.