DR ELLIE CANNON: Why do I get pain in my armpit during a strenuous bike ride? trends now
I often suffer pain in my left armpit, particularly when I walk uphill or cycle hard. My GP thought it might be angina and I’ve had tests, and my heart and arteries have been given a clean bill of health. Any ideas?
Pain which occurs on exertion does make us think of a heart problem. But once this is ruled out, I’d look at musculoskeletal causes – particularly if there is discomfort resulting from extra movement or strain on the shoulder, chest wall or arm, on cycling and strenuous walking.
This may be a muscle pain or a problem within the shoulder joint itself. The left armpit contains lymph nodes or glands, which can swell, as can sebaceous cysts – small infected lumps, or lipomas, which are little lumps of fat.
It is important a doctor carries out an examination to ensure that a swelling in this area is not causing the problem.
A man cycling. More general swelling can result from exercise, and this could be why the pain worsens on these movements. One treatment option would be to try an anti-inflammatory gel or cream (stock image)
The left armpit contains lymph nodes or glands, which can swell, as can sebaceous cysts – small infected lumps, or lipomas, which are little lumps of fat (stock image)
More general swelling can result from exercise, and this could be why the pain worsens on these movements. One treatment option would be to try an anti-inflammatory gel or cream, which would be effective only if it was a local musculoskeletal issue rather than something deeper.
As an aside, I’m often reassured it’s not anything sinister if the discomfort has been the same for a long time and has not worsened.
For more years than I care to remember I’ve suffered from diverticulosis. I don’t have any pain but some days I need to empty my bowels more than ten times. Always having to be near to a loo dictates my life. Do you have any advice?
Bowel symptoms, particularly loss of control, are distressing and hard to live with. Sufferers are often forced into isolation, staying at home rather than risking being caught short.
Diverticulosis causes little pouches in the lower bowel, which can become inflamed. Pain and diarrhoea, bloating and constipation can be common.
In terms of diet, eating the right amount of fibre and drinking plenty of water are key. Both help to keep things moving. But increasing fibre can also trigger bloating, wind and urgency in some patients, in which case doctors suggest trying a low-fibre (not no-fibre, though) diet.
Dr Ellie: Urgently rushing to the toilet after eating may not be related to diverticulosis but be a symptom of another issue, such as lactose intolerance. It would be worth keeping a food diary for a week to see if any foods make the urgency worse
Bowel symptoms, particularly loss of control, are distressing and hard to live with. Sufferers are often forced into isolation, staying at home rather than risking being caught short
That means limiting things that are harder to digest, such as onions, nuts and seeds, fruit and veg skins, wholegrain bread and cereals for a few weeks, then gradually adding those back in.
People who are simply unable to tolerate fibrous foods might benefit from a fibre supplement. Pharmacists can advise on this.
Loperamide can be used for the diarrhoea but only as an occasional treatment.
An anti-spasmodic tablet can also be prescribed for diverticulosis. It can help the bowel to relax and not squeeze so much, and may result in
