Why My Arm Hurts After Falling Sideways: Understanding the Mechanism and Healing Process

Have you ever experienced pain in your arm after falling sideways, only to realize that it didn't immediately hurt but started to ache after six hours?

The Delayed Pain: A Microscopic Tendon Tear

The delay in pain suggests a microscopic tendon tear. A tendon is a crucial tissue that connects muscles to bones. When you fall sideways, one of the muscles near your right arm absorbed the energy, and the momentum continued into the tendon. This stretching can result in a minor tear, particularly if the muscle was stretched to its limit and beyond.

Causes of the Pain

After the initial pain, the area will hurt again when you contract the specific muscle attached to the injured tendon. This is because the muscle is attempting to pull on the already injured tendon, leading to further micro-tears and inflammation. Moving the arm can re-open these healing fibers, causing fresh swelling (tendonitis) which can be painful and uncomfortable.

Healing the Injury: The Importance of Rest

To ensure the tendon heals quickly, it is critical to avoid moving the affected area. However, movement is reflexive and automatic unless restrained. For example, if someone threw you a ball, your natural reflex would be to stretch your arm to catch it, leading to re-tearing of the mending fibers and likely increasing the pain.

Preventing Further Injuries: The Brain's Protective Mechanism

The brain has a protective mechanism that 'locks' the joint to prevent further injury. This reflex helps to limit the movement of the affected joint, thus preventing exacerbation of the injury. This 'locking' mechanism can make the joint feel frozen, but it's a natural response to prevent further harm.

Common Causes and Prevention

The likelihood of such an injury occurring is higher when you are working out with weights and pushing beyond your limits. This is especially true if you are lifting too heavy or too fast. Tendon problems often start in our mid-thirties and worsen with age, especially if you are not mindful of your body's limits and continue to push through pain.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between a simple bruise and a micro-tear is key to proper injury management. Rest, controlled movement, and being aware of your body's limits can help in minimizing the risk of further injury and speeding up the recovery process. Remember, slow and steady is the best way to prevent tendon injuries and ensure a full recovery.

For those who have experienced similar pain after falling, here are some additional resources that may help: