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Multiple sclerosis, or MS, can have many symptoms. Since it affects the central nervous system, it can cause pain anywhere in the body — including the arm and elbow.
One MyMSTeam member asked, “Does anyone get shoulder pain, elbow tendon pain, and weak arm strength?”
Chronic pain in the arm or elbow can interfere with everyday tasks and impact a person’s quality of life.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re experiencing arm and elbow pain while living with MS, including what can cause it and how you can manage it.
There are several possible causes of elbow pain associated with MS. The best way to determine the cause is to talk to your healthcare provider. It’s especially important to see a doctor if your pain is worsening or not getting better over a long period.
Overuse and Injury Some people with MS will experience arm and elbow pain due to overuse or an injury. This could be connected to a specific sport or activity, or it may happen randomly. This could be from conditions like tendonitis, bursitis (inflammation in the elbow), or nerve compressions (when something presses too hard on a nerve).
It’s also possible that arm and elbow pain may be worse or more frequent in those with MS. This is because MS can lead to:
These symptoms can all contribute to arm or elbow pain.
You may also use your arm or elbow awkwardly to compensate for mobility or functional problems caused by MS, resulting in muscle overuse.
Falls People with MS may also experience more falls due to muscle weakness and spasms. Arm and elbow injuries can result from these tumbles. Several MyMSTeam members have experienced this.
One explained, “I fell face-first on a concrete floor. I hurt my elbow and back.” Another shared, “Balance issues got the best of me while trying to get out of the bathtub. I slipped and broke my elbow.”
Nerve Pain MS can cause neuropathic (or nerve-related) pain. This is the result of the immune system attacking and damaging the myelin sheath around nerves and forming lesions. It can occur anywhere in the body.
Nerve pain can feel like burning, tingling, stabbing, itching, and even an electric-shock feeling.
More than 23,000 members of MyMSTeam report pain as a symptom of their MS. One member shared the realization that their elbow pain was related to their condition: “I found out my elbow pain is from my MS. Now my left elbow hurts, and it’s nothing unusual.”
There are many treatment options and interventions for arm and elbow pain related to MS. Your doctor or neurologist can help you determine which options might be best for you based on the cause of your pain and its severity.
Some MyMSTeam members use elbow braces. These supportive devices can help stabilize the elbow joint while it heals.
“For the last two months, my elbows have been giving me so much trouble,” reported one member. “My doctor tells me to get an elbow brace.”
If you’re struggling with elbow pain, consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis. Certain conditions such as epicondylitis may improve with temporary bracing.
Physical therapists can help treat some types of arm and elbow pain, whether it’s due to an injury or muscle problems related to MS. They can also evaluate the way you move and how well your muscles work, then devise a physical activity plan.
Physical therapy can also help you learn to move more effectively. Doing the recommended exercises consistently may help you learn to move in a way that doesn’t hurt and allow you to gain or maintain muscle strength.
You may also need to work with an occupational therapist if you find you make accommodations in your daily life to avoid arm and elbow pain. They can help you learn new ways to move and do normal tasks that won’t result in injury or discomfort.
If your arm or elbow pain is interfering with your day-to-day life, it may be helpful to talk with an occupational therapist. They can assess your home and work and make recommendations for tools that can help you perform tasks differently and possibly reduce your arm and elbow pain.
Each person’s needs will be different based on their range of motion and level of pain. But the key is to determine how you’re moving, where your challenges are, and what can reduce your pain.
Here are some possible tools that may help address arm and elbow pain:
Many medications are available to help with MS pain management, including arm and elbow pain. The right medication for you will depend on the cause of your pain, its severity, and your doctor’s medical advice.
For muscle pain and inflammation, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical pain relief cream.
For neuropathic pain, your doctor may recommend:
It might take some time to find the right treatment options for your arm and elbow pain. But by collaborating with your healthcare team, you can find a medication that helps you feel better with as few side effects as possible.
On MyMSTeam, people share their experiences with multiple sclerosis, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
If you’ve experienced arm or elbow pain due to MS, how have you managed this symptom? Let others know in the comments below.
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continued. “When I wake up, it’s much better, so I’m not sure if it’s because I’m fatigued, from something I did outside of MS, or related to MS in general.”
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I unfortunately have pain all over my body. My feet burn as if walking on hot coals. My hands also burn but I can't lift anything to heavy even a teapot lol. Shoulder, legs and arms but not… read more
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