Subject: Re: arthritis in arm?
A painful arm could be caused by any number of things. Did you experience trauma to the area (or neck) prior to the onset of the pain? If so, it could be an unhealed injury. If it is a condition of some sort, it could be arthritic (but there are over 200 types of arthritis), or sciatica (referred pain from spine), or any number of things. It sounds like the pain is bothering you a lot, so I don't think it would be unreasonable for you to see a doctor. The main things to consider when seeing a doctor about pain are these - Does it prevent you doing your normal things? Does it interfere with your sleep? Has it been there long enough to be fairly sure it isn't going away? Since it IS disturbing your sleep, and you've had it a while, you should see your GP. Self-diagnosis isn't usually a good idea, as it can worry you unnecessarily, you're unable to get treatment, and when you do decide to see a doctor you may find yourself unable to accept the diagnosis he gives you, or fail to mention some symptom because it doesn't match your self-diagnosis. So, see a doctor, and don't worry.
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