Introduction
Upper limb problems are aches, pains, tension and disorders involving any part of the arm from fingers to shoulder, or the neck.
They include problems with the soft tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments, along with the circulatory and nerve supply to the limb.
Shoulders
Shoulder problems are among the most common reasons for people visiting their doctor. The shoulder is the most movable joint in the body. But, it is an unstable joint because of its range of motion. This instability increases the likelihood of joint injury. Shoulder pain may be localised or may be referred to areas around the shoulder or down the arm.
Information on the NHS website
Shoulder impingement syndrome
Bursitis
Tendonitis and other tendon injuries
Information on Arthritis UK
Frozen shoulder
NHS website
Rotator cuff tear
Shoulder exercises
Versus Arthritis
Elbow problems
Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.
Many things can make your elbow hurt. A common cause is tendonitis – an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is a sports injury, often from playing tennis or golf. You may also get tendinitis from overuse of the elbow.
Other causes of elbow pain include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, bursitis and arthritis. Treatment depends on the cause.
Tennis elbow
Information on the NHS website
Information on Shoulderdoc.co.uk
Golfer’s elbow
Information on Shoulderdoc.co.uk
Other useful links
Elbow exercises
Elbow problems – Information on NHS Inform
Hand and wrist problems
Most of the time our body movements do not cause problems, but it’s not surprising that symptoms occur from everyday wear and tear or from overuse. Finger, hand, or wrist problems can also be caused by injuries or the natural process of ageing.
Information on a variety of hand and wrist problems
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on the NHS website
De Quervains Syndrome
Thumb arthritis
Trigger finger
Dupytrens – nerve injury
Wrist, hand and finger exercises