My boyfriend was at work today and his shoulder started hurting. Pain traveled down his arm and into his hands. It happened on one side of his body and then the other. He was unable to open his hands. He took 2 advil and the one side seems to be ok now (he can open his hand) but the other hand he is still unable to open. It looks swollen (knuckles, etc.) He just took 2 more advil. Any thoughts?
Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. It can be due to minor contusion affecting the shoulder joints and soft tissues. As of now, he can try analgesics like Acetaminophen and Diclofenac for pain relief. Apply ice packs and take adequate bed rest. Immobilize the affected hand for couple of days. Generally, the pain will settle in few days and if the pain persist for long, better to consult an orthopedician and get an MRI scan done to rule out tendon and ligament injury. Wishing you good health. Thanks.