Question
Hi

A year ago after a period of heavy lifting and shovelling snow I felt a pain in my left pectoral muscle when pressure was applied. A short while after I began to have painful muscle spasms in the area every now and again. I was then carrying a heavy bag on my left shoulder that kept falling down on to my arm  wrenching my shoulder. A few days after this I fellt great pain and heat and like a tearing sensation all around my left breast.  A year  on and I have constant pain over and under left breast especially when I use my arms ( folding laundry, typing on computer etc) when I press the area it hurts. My left shoulder also pops when I move it back and fore. I have had mammogram and had heart and lungs checked all normal results. Please could you help me in finding out what the problem may be. Many thanks

Answer
These Chicago Podiatrists, Elmhurst Podiatrists & South Loop Orthopedic Podiatrists say.......

Dear Karen,
For your muscle pain---
Sound like a chronic muscle or tendon pull. Could also possibly be an area of pressure on the nerve that goes to the painful area. Look at a dermatome map (search internet,look for the easiest one to read) and see if the area of pain matches a nerve path. Try slow, gentle movements to help identify which muscle(s) may be involved. When the muscle hurts-gently press on that area----if worse-that's the area of injury. Once you identify the muscle(s) involved
Try PRICE
Protect-Wear a shoulder brace around the the area of pain if possible and limit the movements that aggravate it.
Rest-Speaks for itself-If you are overweight-please lose the weight
Ice- As much as possible for pain-up to 1 hour 2-3 times a day in area of pain  
Compress-Ace wrap  or shoulder sleeve, or sticky ace wrap cut in strips.
Elevate-Will help if it throbs or swells at the end of the day.
Go to our website store at AnkleNFoot.com for examples of wraps, sleeves or supports for your shoulder.
If it starts to quiet down-do gentle exercises to strengthen that area.
Perhaps a really good Chiropractor or Doctor of Physical therapy would be able to help best.
Hope This Helps!

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com

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