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General Overview (Diseases A–Z)
Short Summary:
Arm pain refers to any discomfort or pain felt between the shoulder and the wrist. Pain can be caused by muscle tension, nerve compression, arthritis, or problems in the cervical spine. While often related to overuse or injury, it may also signal serious conditions like heart disease.
What is this condition?
Arm pain is a common complaint involving discomfort in one or both arms. It may originate from bones, muscles, joints, tendons, nerves, also even internal organs (referred pain). The pain can be sharp, dull, burning, or radiating depending on the cause.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain in the upper or lower arm
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers or hand
- Muscle weakness
- Swelling, redness, or tenderness
- Limited range of motion
- Pain that worsens with movement or specific activities
What causes it?
- Muscle strain or overuse: Repetitive activities, lifting
- Tendonitis or bursitis: Inflammation of tendons or bursae
- Nerve compression: Cervical radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Joint problems: Arthritis in the shoulder or elbow
- Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, sprains
- Cardiac-related pain: Heart attack (especially left arm pain)
- Referred pain: From neck, spine, or chest conditions
Who is more likely to experience it?
- Manual laborers and athletes
- Office workers using computers for long periods
- Elderly people (degenerative joint disease)
- People with diabetes or cardiovascular disease
- Individuals with poor posture or ergonomics
How is it diagnosed?
- Medical history and physical examination
- X-rays: To identify bone injuries
- MRI or ultrasound: For soft tissue evaluation
- Nerve conduction studies or EMG: To detect nerve damage
- Blood tests: To rule out infection or systemic disease
- ECG or cardiac tests: If heart disease is suspected
What are the treatment options?
- Rest and activity modification
- Cold or heat therapy
- Pain relievers: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants
- Physical therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises
- Corticosteroid injections: For inflammation
- Surgical intervention: In cases of severe injury or nerve entrapment
- Cardiac treatment: If pain is heart-related
Can it be prevented?
Yes. Here are some strategies:
- Use proper technique during physical activity
- Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
- Maintain good posture
- Exercise regularly to keep muscles strong and flexible
- Control chronic conditions like diabetes or hypertension
- Address neck and spine health to prevent referred arm pain
Is it contagious?
No. Arm pain is not contagious. It results from physical, neurological, or internal medical causes.
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Symptom Checker – Based on Symptom: Arm Pain
❓ What diseases can cause this symptom?
- Muscle or tendon injuries (strain, tear, tendonitis)
- Nerve compression (cervical radiculopathy, thoracic outlet syndrome)
- Joint issues (elbow or shoulder arthritis, bursitis)
- Cardiovascular conditions (heart attack, angina)
- Fractures or trauma
- Infections (cellulitis, septic arthritis – rare)
- Referred pain from neck, spine, or chest
🧑⚕️ When should I see a doctor?
- If pain is severe or sudden
- If there’s numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness
- If pain follows trauma (e.g., fall or accident)
- If accompanied by chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
- If there’s visible deformity, redness, or swelling
- If symptoms persist beyond a few days
🚨 Emergency or not?
Emergency Situations:
- Arm pain with chest pain (possible heart attack)
- Sudden weakness or paralysis in the arm
- Loss of consciousness or confusion
- Severe trauma or visible bone deformity
Non-Emergency (Can Wait):
- Mild pain from overuse
- Soreness after exercise
- Minor joint or muscle aches
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Age-Based Overview – Arm Pain
👶 In Infants
- Rare; may indicate congenital bone issues or brachial plexus injury during birth
- Fractures or infections in newborns are medical emergencies
🧒 In Children
- Falls, playground injuries
- Growth-related pains
- Early signs of juvenile arthritis
🧑 In Teenagers
- Sports injuries (tennis elbow, shoulder dislocation)
- Muscle overuse from physical activity
- Poor posture from device use
👨🦰 In Adults
- Work-related repetitive strain injuries
- Tendonitis, bursitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cervical disc herniation with radiating pain
👵 In Elderly
- Osteoarthritis in shoulder or elbow
- Fractures from falls (especially humerus or wrist)
- Nerve compression or rotator cuff tears
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