What should you know about dull forearm pain?

Repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, racquet sports, or a new workout can strain the muscles and tendons between the elbow and wrist. Pain near the inner elbow can occur with Golfer's Elbow, while pain on the outer elbow may fit Tennis Elbow. Tingling, burning, numbness, or weakness can point toward irritation of a nerve rather than a simple muscle ache. Swelling, bruising, or pain after a fall needs attention because a sprain or fracture is possible. The location alone cannot identify the cause.

For a mild recent ache, reduce the activity that provokes it and keep the arm moving gently within comfort. A cool pack wrapped in cloth may help after overuse; avoid placing it directly on skin. Adjust your grip, keyboard position, or lifting technique, and take short breaks from repeated wrist movements. Do not force painful stretching or return to heavy loading while symptoms are increasing. If the pain does not settle, recurs with ordinary tasks, or limits grip, arrange an examination with a clinician or physiotherapist.

Seek urgent medical care for sudden severe pain, a visibly deformed arm, rapidly increasing swelling, a cold or pale hand, or new inability to move the wrist or fingers. Get prompt help if forearm pain occurs with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, faintness, or pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder. Arrange timely assessment for persistent numbness, progressive weakness, fever, redness, or symptoms following a significant injury.

Which movement or tissue seems to be causing my pain? Should I change work, sport, or lifting technique? Do I need an examination of my neck, elbow, wrist, or nerves? Which exercises are appropriate now, and what signs mean I should stop?