*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature O: Orthodontics.

Elbow And Arm Pain

Elbow and arm pain is not usually a sign of anything serious. If it does not go away after a few weeks, see a GP.

How you can ease elbow and arm pain yourself

To ease elbow and arm pain, try these things for a couple of days:

put a heat pack or a pack of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on your arm - do this for 10 to 15 minutes, every few hours
take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen
raise your arm if it's swollen

Go to an urgent treatment centre or A&E if:

you have severe pain in your arm and it's difficult to move
you've injured your arm and you heard a snapping noise or your arm has changed shape
your arm tingles or feels numb

arm pain has come on suddenly and it occurs with pressure, heaviness or squeezing across your chest

This could be a sign of a heart attack.

Apart from an injury, these things can cause arm and elbow pain.

Do not self-diagnose. See a GP if you're worried.

If you have elbow or arm pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature O: Orthodontics. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
Photos: LightFieldStudios and one of VladOrlov, Stockcube, darak77, ajr_images or rawpixel.com.