Differential Diagnosis for Over Extension Arm and Shoulder Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Rotator Cuff Strain: This is the most likely diagnosis due to the common occurrence of overextension injuries in the arm and shoulder, which can lead to strain on the rotator cuff muscles.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Shoulder Impingement: Overextension can cause the shoulder joint to impinge, leading to pain and inflammation in the surrounding tissues.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae in the shoulder joint can occur due to overextension, causing pain and swelling.
- Tendinitis: Tendons in the arm and shoulder can become inflamed due to overextension, leading to pain and stiffness.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Fracture: Although less likely, a fracture in the arm or shoulder can occur due to severe overextension and would be a critical diagnosis to not miss.
- Dislocation: A dislocated shoulder or elbow can occur due to overextension and requires prompt medical attention.
- Brachial Plexus Injury: A severe overextension injury can cause damage to the brachial plexus, leading to numbness, weakness, and pain in the arm.
Rare Diagnoses
- Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Overextension can cause compression of the nerves and blood vessels in the thoracic outlet, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the arm.
- Osteonecrosis: Although rare, overextension can cause a disruption in blood supply to the bone, leading to osteonecrosis in the arm or shoulder.
- Neer's Lesion: A rare condition where the tendon of the long head of the biceps becomes inflamed and painful due to overextension.