Symptoms
Symptoms of upper arm pain can include:
Pain: Aching, sharp, burning, or throbbing pain in the upper arm.
Tenderness: Sensitivity to touch in specific areas of the arm.
Stiffness: Difficulty moving the arm or shoulder.
Weakness: Decreased strength in the arm or hand.
Numbness/Tingling: A pins-and-needles sensation radiating down the arm or into the hand.
Swelling: Visible swelling or inflammation.
Limited Range of Motion: Inability to move the arm through its full range of motion.
Clicking/Popping: Sounds or sensations in the shoulder joint during movement.
Deformity: Visible changes in the shape of the arm or shoulder.
Causes
Upper arm pain can be caused by a wide range of factors, including:
Muscle Strains/Sprains: Overuse, injury, or sudden movements.
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons, commonly in the shoulder (rotator cuff tendonitis) or elbow (biceps tendonitis).
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion joints.
Nerve Compression: Pressure on nerves, such as the brachial plexus or the ulnar nerve. This could include conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.
Arthritis: Degeneration of the cartilage in the shoulder joint.
Fractures: Breaks in the humerus (upper arm bone), clavicle (collarbone), or scapula (shoulder blade).
Dislocations: Displacement of the humerus from the shoulder socket.
Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint.
Referred Pain: Pain originating from another area, such as the neck or heart.
Tumors: Rarely, tumors in the bone or soft tissues of the upper arm.
Infections: Bone or soft tissue infections.
Medicine Used
Medications used to treat upper arm pain depend on the underlying cause. Common options include:
Pain Relievers:
Over-the-counter: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Naproxen (Aleve).
Prescription: Stronger NSAIDs, Opioids (used sparingly for severe pain).
Muscle Relaxants: To relieve muscle spasms.
Corticosteroids: To reduce inflammation, administered orally or injected.
Nerve Pain Medications: Gabapentin, Pregabalin (for nerve compression).
Topical Creams/Ointments: Containing NSAIDs or capsaicin.
Antibiotics: To treat infections.
Precautions
Precautions to take with upper arm pain depend on the cause and severity. General precautions include:
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, especially in the initial stages.
Compression: Use a compression bandage to reduce swelling.
Elevation: Keep the arm elevated to reduce swelling.
Proper Posture: Maintain good posture to avoid putting unnecessary strain on the arm and shoulder.
Ergonomics: Use proper ergonomics when working or performing repetitive tasks.
Avoid Overexertion: Gradually increase activity levels as pain subsides.
Warm-up and Stretch: Before physical activity.
Seek Medical Attention: If the pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or swelling.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of upper arm pain varies greatly depending on the underlying cause.
Muscle Strain/Sprain: A mild strain may resolve within a few days to a week with rest and home care. More severe strains can take several weeks to heal.
Tendonitis/Bursitis: Symptoms may last for weeks or months if left untreated. With proper treatment, symptoms often improve within a few weeks.
Nerve Compression: The duration depends on the severity of the compression. Mild cases may resolve within a few weeks with conservative treatment. More severe cases may require surgery and a longer recovery period.
Fractures: Healing time depends on the type and severity of the fracture. It typically takes several weeks to months for a fracture to heal completely.
Arthritis: Arthritis is a chronic condition, so symptoms may be ongoing. Treatment can help manage pain and improve function.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves:
Medical History: The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, medical history, and any recent injuries.
Physical Examination: The doctor will examine the arm, shoulder, and neck to assess range of motion, tenderness, strength, and nerve function.
Imaging Tests:
X-rays: To identify fractures or arthritis.
MRI: To evaluate soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
CT scan: To provide more detailed images of bones and soft tissues.
Nerve Conduction Studies/EMG: To assess nerve function if nerve compression is suspected.
Blood Tests: To rule out other conditions, such as infection or autoimmune disorders.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms is highly variable, depending on the cause.
Acute Injuries (Strains, Sprains, Fractures): Sudden onset of pain, often immediately following an injury. Swelling and bruising may develop within hours or days.
Overuse Injuries (Tendonitis, Bursitis): Gradual onset of pain that worsens over time. Pain may be worse with activity.
Nerve Compression: Gradual onset of pain, numbness, or tingling that may radiate down the arm or into the hand. Symptoms may be worse at night.
Arthritis: Gradual onset of pain and stiffness that worsens over time. Pain may be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Important Considerations
Seek prompt medical attention for severe pain, numbness, weakness, or signs of infection.
Follow your doctor's instructions carefully regarding treatment and rehabilitation.
Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
Maintain good posture and ergonomics to prevent future problems.
Consider physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
If pain is chronic, consider pain management techniques such as medication, injections, or alternative therapies.