Arm Pain

[validivee]

For the past three weeks (at least) I've been having the same pain in my right arm at around the same time every evening.  It's not in the joints, it's about a third of the way down my forearm, top side, feels like it's bone-related.  It's a deep intermittent throbbing pain that I feel every 10-20 seconds or so. I'm afraid because I've been on immunosuppressants since 2001 and I know that one of the side effects is a form of blood cancer. I'm not sure if that would show up as pain in the arm but I have read that cancer can metastasize so I'm just looking for clues.   I did break the end of the bone years ago roller skating (top arm bone near elbow), and I have experience arthritis there in the past, but this pain is very different and not in the joint, which makes me think it can't be arthritis, but I don't know.  Any advice?  If I see a doctor should I ask for xrays AND an MRI if nothing shows up on x-ray?Thanks for all you help!

[validivee]

Thank you....it finally  away.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, without a detailed clinical evaluation it would be difficult to determine the cause of your symptoms. Possibilities that may need to be considered include fractures/ dislocations, infections, inflammations, bursitis, tendonitis, neuro-muscular causes such as nerve impingement, injuries to tendons/ ligaments/ muscles, growths/ masses etc. It would be best to have this evaluated by a primary care physician or an orthopedician for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management,.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!