What’s the reason for the post-op pain in the arm?

The pain in the arm following the breast cancer may have been caused by post-operative trauma, lymphatic oedema, shoulder inflammation, scar tissue, nervous pain, etc.

Post-operative trauma: Breast cancer surgery usually involves tumour removal and lymphomy. The operation caused a certain degree of damage and irritation to the surrounding tissue and nerves, causing pain in the arm.

2 lymphatic oedema: Breast cancer surgery may interfere with the normal flow of lymphatic fluid, leading to lymphoma. The lymphoma can cause local arm swelling, pain and discomfort.

3. Shoulder ecstasy: As a result of post-operative arm protection positions, shoulder muscles and joints may cause shoulder ecstasy through overuse or stress. Shoulder inflammation can cause lasting pain and affect normal arm activity.

4. Scar tissue: Scar tissue may be formed when the post-operative cut heals. Scar tissue may be stretched or pressured during arm movement and cause pain.

5. Neural pain: The operation may also damage the surrounding nerves and cause a nervous pain. Pain may extend to the arm in the surgical area.

If the symptoms of arm pain after breast cancer are not improved in the long term, it is important to visit the hospital in a timely manner and to follow medical instructions for targeted treatment.

Rehabilitation after breast cancer is an ongoing and detailed process, with the main objective of restoring body function, improving quality of life and preventing the recurrence of cancer. The measures for rehabilitation after breast cancer are as follows:

1. Wound care: During the post-operative recovery phase, patients need to follow closely the healing of the wounds, follow the doctor ‘ s advice and do the right care for the wounds and change the medication. At the same time, be careful to rest, avoid heavy activity and loads, and keep the wounds as stable and clean as possible to facilitate healing.

Regular review: During rehabilitation, patients are required to undergo regular review and follow-up, including breast ultrasound, mammography MRI, etc., as well as to observe lymph nodes. On the basis of the results of the examination, the doctor evaluates the patient ‘ s rehabilitation and develops appropriate treatment programmes.

3. Rehabilitation training: Rehabilitation training includes physical rehabilitation training and psychological rehabilitation. Physical rehabilitation training, which includes, inter alia, adequate exercise and massage, helps to promote muscle recovery and to mitigate the physical discomfort caused by breast cancer surgery. Psychological rehabilitation consists mainly of counselling, psychological intervention and psychological support to help patients to remain optimistic in the face of physical and psychological changes and stress after the operation.

Nutritional diets: People also need special attention in their diets, with increased intake of protein-, vitamin- and mineral-rich foods, while avoiding high fat and sugar-rich foods, contributing to increased immunity and resistance and reducing the risk of malnutrition.

Patients should actively cooperate with the doctor ‘ s treatment programme and be aware of changes in their physical condition and adapt their rehabilitation programmes in a timely manner.