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Arm pain

DEFINITION

Arm pain can be caused by a wide variety of problems, ranging from joint injuries to compressed nerves. Depending on the cause, arm pain can start suddenly or develop over time. In many cases, arm pain actually originates from a problem in your neck or upper spine. Arm pain, particularly pain that radiates into your left arm, can even be a sign of a heart attack.

CAUSES

Possible causes of arm pain include:

  1. Angina

  2. Brachial plexus injury

  3. Broken arm

  4. Broken wrist/broken hand

  5. Bursitis

  6. Cancer (malignancy), primary or metastatic

  7. Carpal tunnel syndrome

  8. Cervical spondylosis

  9. De Quervain’s tenosynovitis

  10. Dislocated elbow

  11. Fibromyalgia

  12. Heart attack

  13. Herniated disk

  14. Rheumatoid arthritis

  15. Rotator cuff injury

  16. Sprains and strains

  17. Tendinitis

  18. Tennis elbow

  19. Thoracic outlet syndrome

  20. Ulnar nerve entrapment

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

Seek emergency treatment if you have:

  • Arm, shoulder or back pain that comes on suddenly, is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure, fullness or squeezing in your chest (this may signal a heart attack)

  • An obvious deformity or protruding bone in your arm or wrist, especially if you have bleeding or other injuries

See your doctor right away if you have:

  • Arm, shoulder or back pain that occurs with any sort of exertion and is relieved by rest — possibly signaling heart disease or chest discomfort caused by reduced blood flow to your heart muscle (angina)

  • A sudden injury to your arm, particularly if you hear a snap or cracking sound

  • Severe pain and swelling in your arm

  • Trouble moving your arm normally or turning your arm from palm up to palm down and vice versa

Schedule an office visit if you have:

  • Arm pain that doesn’t improve after several days of home care

  • Increasing redness, swelling or pain in the injured area

  • A brachial plexus injury that hasn’t improved

Self-care
Even serious arm injuries can be helped initially with home treatment. If you think that you have a broken arm or wrist, apply ice packs to the affected area and use a sling to help hold your arm still until you can get medical care.

If you have a compressed nerve or repetitive strain injury, be consistent about therapy; maintain good posture; and take frequent breaks at work and during repetitive activities, such as playing an instrument or practicing your golf swing.

Most other types of arm pain will get better on their own, especially if you start R.I.C.E. measures within 48 hours of your injury.

  • Rest. Take a break from your normal activities.

  • Ice. Place an ice pack or bag of frozen peas on the sore area for 15 to 20 minutes three times a day.

  • Compression. Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.

  • Elevation. If possible, elevate your arm to help reduce swelling.