Arm pain may be due to injuries, overuse, arthritis, and nerve problems.
Arm pain accompanied by pressure in the chest can be a sign of a heart attack.
The pain is triggered by an increase in pressure on nerves that run through the wrist.
Verywell / Alexandra Gordon
Bursitis
Bursitisis the most common cause of arm andshoulder pain.
It is when there is inflammation in the fluid-filled sac between the bones, muscles, and tendons.
Tendonitis
Tendonitisis a bang out of shoulder impingement syndrome.
Tendinitis in the arm usually happens in the shoulder.
Rotator Cuff Tears
Rotator cuff tearscause a deep, aching sensation over the outside of the arm.
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.
Arm pain from a torn rotator cuff commonly comes on when lifting the arm overhead.
Pain from a rotator cuff is typically considered a shoulder joint problem.
Much of this arm pain is felt in the lower portion of the arm.
Fractures can occur around theshoulder jointand in the bones of the arm, wrist, hand, and fingers.
Muscle Contusion
Amuscle contusionis a deep bruise.
It is a commonsports injurythat can lead to arm pain.
This injury causes bruising, swelling, and sometimes the build-up of scar tissue in the muscle.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Abrachial plexusinjury affects the nerves in the shoulder.
These nerves carry movement and sensory signals to the arm and hand.
Symptoms can include pain in the arm or hand along with numbness and weakness.
Brachial plexus injuries usually occur after an injury to the neck.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of pain.
It can occur in any joint, including the joints of the arm and hand.
It usually affects older people, though it can affect anyone.
It is because of the degeneration of joint tissues over time.
People with this condition experience joint pain and stiffness.
RA may also cause symptoms like fatigue, fever, and loss of appetite.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that shows up when the immune system becomes overactive.
Symptoms include pain and swelling in the joints.
Psoriatic arthritis usually occurs in people who have a skin condition called psoriasis.
Heart Conditions
Heart conditions can cause referred pain in the arm.
Angina
Angina is a symptom of a heart condition called coronary artery disease.
It happens when there is an insufficient flow of blood to the chest.
It usually affects the legs, but it is also possible to experience DVT in your arm.
This can lead to symptoms like pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected limb.
Lupus
Lupus can cause arm pain in different ways.
It can cause arthritis in the joints, which can affect the wrists and elbows.
It can cause inflammation in the tendons, leading to pain around the elbows and shoulders.
Without treatment, it can lead to increased pain and loss of function in the arms.
Some cases could lead to life-threatening blood clots.
Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your arm pain and look at your arm.
Self-Care for Arm Pain
The treatment for arm pain depends on whats causing it.
Sometimes, more serious health problems located in another part of the body can cause arm pain.
Rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication are common starting treatments for arm pain.
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