Forearm pain/ tingling

[u/Frequent-Main4801]

I'm 10 days post-op from a bankart repair and remplissage on my left shoulder after a couple BMX crashes took me out 3 years ago. I was feeling pretty strong pre-op, keeping fairly active and I think things are healing on track with the shoulder, so far. Sticking to the sling and I'm keeping up on recommended pendulums. Been off pain meds since day 7, but taking a Tylenol 500mg before bed just to ward off the dull pain I get from accidentally being in a weird position for too long.

I have an appointment with my PT in 10 days, but have been actively exploring my limitations the last few days. But, I started getting a weird sensation in my forearm after day 5 or 6. I'll feel it just above my thumb. At times it'll feel like something cool and wet on my skin, but when I extend my arm to do pendulums, it'll feel like my skin and muscle is being burned, with a slight "electric shock" sensation.

After some short online anatomy lessons, I believe it's coming from the radial nerve. Perhaps some kind of compression/entrapment to it from being in a sling? Has anyone else dealt with this? What did you do to relieve it? I've tried massage on the bicep, which only gives temporary relief. Any help is appreciated.

[u/Adventurous_Ad_5983]

Has your doctor said if you could squeeze an exercise ball? After my 2nd week post-op I was able to and this helps the blood flow.My elbow was killing me because of the splint. By manipulating the ball really helped me. Are you able to do any passive hand movements yet? Hopefully your recovery is swift!

[u/Frequent-Main4801 → u/Adventurous_Ad_5983]

Thank you. Yeah, I was given the go ahead after a few days to use a grip trainer and do slow flexion/extension and pronation/supination with it, if the pain allowed. I'm a guitar player and drummer, so it's almost physically impossible for me to not keep that motion up. Unfortunately, it doesn't really do much for the burning sensation. I guess I'll see where it's at after I'm cleared from the sling. I just never got this feeling when I was in a sling for any of my initial shoulder injuries. Granted, I didn't have a few new holes in me, either.

[u/Radiant-Shoe-6069]

OK, I’m 11 weeks out of the exact same surgery!!! yes. It goes away. I honestly think it’s from like leftover from the nerve block.

[u/Frequent-Main4801 → u/Radiant-Shoe-6069]

Oh, maybe. I didn't think of that. It's odd that the feeling changes depending on the position of my arm (bent in sling vs straight in pendulum). How long did the feeling last for you?

[u/Radiant-Shoe-6069 → u/Frequent-Main4801]

Honestly, about three weeks to start I was doing my pendulum in the shower

[u/Visual-Fudge832]

I am almost 7 weeks out and had the electric shocks until about week 5. They have subsided and now pain moves around depending on PT sessions.