Arm Pain: 8 Possible Causes

Arm pain is a broad term that describes any pain or physical discomfort that is experienced in the arm. It can affect any part of the arm, including the shoulder, elbow, or wrist.

Arm pain can be caused by a wide range of conditions. It is commonly caused by overuse, sprains, or injury and is a burdensome problem in Australia.[1] The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and can come about suddenly or develop gradually over a period of time.

However, arm pain can also be caused by an underlying medical issue so it is important to be aware of any red flag signs or symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition.

What are the symptoms of arm pain?

The symptoms of arm pain can vary, depending on the cause.

Common symptoms can include:

• Pain in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or surrounding areas

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Redness or swelling

• Trouble with daily tasks, such as reaching

• Pain in the left arm

• Pain in the right arm

The severity of the symptoms in the arm can range depending on the cause and location of the symptoms.

Top 8 causes arm pain?

Arm pain can be caused by a variety of issues, such as sports injuries, long term injuries or accidents. Here is a list of potential causes of arm pain.

1. Strains or sprains

Muscle sprains and ligament strains are a common cause for pain in the arm. They may develop suddenly from an injury or accident. They can also develop overtime, from repetitive activities such as typing, or from overuse without enough rest.

2. Tendinopathy

Tendons attach muscles to bone. When tendons are irritated or overloaded, it can lead to tendinopathy. This can occur in tendons in the arm, commonly at the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Tendinopathy can cause different symptoms, such as a dull ache or pain during activity. Research indicates there is a relationship between inflammation and tendon pain which helps to explain why tendinopathy is becoming a more common.2

3. Rotator cuff injury

The rotator cuff muscles stabilise the shoulder joint and help the arm move. These muscles play an important role in overhead motions and daily activities. A rotator cuff injury can occur suddenly, from a sporting trauma, or from repetitive movements and overuse, such as in manual occupations like painting. Symptoms can radiate into the arm, and in more severe cases can affect how the arm moves.

4. Arthritis

Arthritis can affect any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis and is often experienced in the arm joints, including the shoulder, elbow, and wrist joints.3 It affects the surfaces and tissues in the joint, and can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced function. There is no specific cure for arthritis, and it usually requires monitoring and management over time.

5. Nerve pain

There are many nerves that travel through the arm. When these nerves are irritated from overuse or compression, it may cause symptoms. In more severe cases, it can cause numbness or weakness and lead to serious disability.[4]

6. Fractures

A fracture (broken bone) can cause immediate sharp pain in the arm. It is often caused by trauma, such as a sporting accident or a fall. A fracture usually causes severe pain, swelling, bruising, reduced movement or being unable to move the area, and sometimes a visible physical deformity. A fracture can also develop gradually over time, this is known as a stress fracture.

7. Angina

Angina is a serious heart condition that occurs when there is decreased blood supply and oxygen to the heart. It can cause chest pain, arm or shoulder pain, or pain in the surrounding area especially during activity. It may also coincide with shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, or faintness. Angina is a serious underlying condition that requires medical input.

8. Heart attack

A heart attack occurs when the blood is unable to circulate due to a blockage or other cause. If the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen, the tissue can start to die. A heart attack is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms of a heart attack can include:

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Pain in the arm or upper body

• Jaw pain

• Excessive sweating

• Dizziness or loss of consciousness

• Nausea.

Other causes of arm pain can include infection, referred pain, disc herniation, and more. Diagnosis is important to determine the origin of the pain.

How is arm pain diagnosed?

As there are many causes of arm pain, it is important to get the correct diagnosis before any treatment commences. A series of questions and testing can help determine the cause of the arm pain. This may include discussing with a health professional the cause, location, severity of the pain, and any relevant medical history, amongst other questions.

A physical examination may also be used to check the range, strength, and sensation of the arm and surrounding area. A doctor may complete additional testing to further assess the arm.

A doctor may also recommend further investigations, such as:

• An X-ray to assess the bones in the arm

• An ultrasound to assess the soft tissue in the affected or surrounding area

• An MRI to give a comprehensive image of the arm and surrounding areas, including joints, muscles, and ligaments

• Blood tests

• Further specialised testing.

If there are any complications or the doctor needs further tests, they may recommend a review with a specialist doctor.

When to see a doctor

Arm pain may resolve on its own or with simple treatment. However, if the pain is severe or persistent, or if there are any unexplained symptoms, it could be a medical issue.

In rare cases, arm pain can be a medical emergency. If a heart attack, fracture, or other medical condition is suspected, a doctor should be consulted as a matter of emergency.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can include:

• Jaw pain

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

• Arm pain

• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded

• Nausea

• Cold or excessive sweats

• Loss of consciousness.

Signs and symptoms of a broken arm can include:

• Visible deformity of the arm, such as the wrist at an awkward angle

• Severe, sharp, throbbing pain

• Unable to put weight through the arm

• Unable to move the arm or affected area.

Other red flag symptoms can include sudden weakness or numbness, fever or chills, blackouts, or bladder/bowel incontinence. It is important to be aware of these red flag symptoms as they can indicate an underlying medical condition that requires immediate attention from a medical team.

How is arm pain treated?

Treatment for arm pain will depend on the location, cause, and severity of the symptoms. The pain may require one or a combination of different treatments, depending on the situation.

Common treatments can include:

• Rest

Rest or activity modification can be helpful to settle the symptoms and encourage the healing process.

• Ice therapy

When used correctly, ice therapy can be a useful strategy to provide short-term pain relief.

• Compression

A doctor may recommend a bandage or brace for a short period of time to provide compression to the affected area. This is not always necessary.

• Elevation

Resting and elevating the arm can help reduce swelling and encourage healing. Speak to a doctor if there are any concerns.

• Pain relief medication

A doctor may recommend over-the-counter medication or prescription medication in some cases to offer pain relief and settle any symptoms.

• Anti-inflammatories

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatories, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can assess the arm and symptoms and prescribe treatments depending on the cause and severity. This may include strength or range exercises, which is particularly helpful for musculoskeletal conditions where there is limited range of motion.

• Surgery

A doctor may recommend a review with a surgeon if other conservative (non-surgical) treatments have not been successful. Surgery may be the first line of treatment for pain that is caused by an underlying condition, such as a fracture or torn ligaments.

Prevention of arm pain

Not every cause of arm pain can be prevented. However, there are situations where simple strategies can be used to help prevent arm pain.

The following are some prevention strategies:

• Complete a warm-up before exercise

• Use the correct technique for sport or activities

• Set up a work desk and chair correctly

• Wear safety or protective equipment during sports

• Exercise regularly

• Introduce any new activities or exercise carefully

• Apply the correct manual handling and lifting technique.

Key messages

Arm pain can occur from a variety of different causes. In some cases, arm pain can resolve on its own or with simple treatments.