Upper Arm Pain

What is upper arm pain?

Pain in the upper arm can result from damage or injury to any of the structures in the upper arm, including bones, joints, tendons, muscles, nerves, connective tissue, skin, or blood vessels. In some cases, pain perceived in the upper arm may actually be referred pain caused by injury or disease elsewhere in the body, such as a heart attack.

Upper arm pain may be localized or diffuse, affecting one or both arms. The pain may be sharp and stabbing or dull and throbbing. You may feel upper arm pain only at certain times of day or when you are performing certain activities. Particularly in the case of injuries, upper arm pain may come on suddenly. Upper arm pain due to other causes, such as arthritis, may develop over time.

Trauma or injury to the arm or shoulder, including muscle strain from exercise, is a common cause of upper arm pain. Arm pain can also result from injuries, tumors, or trauma to the spine, such as intervertebral disc disease. Chronic conditions that affect other areas of the body, such as arthritis, can cause upper arm pain. Infections of the skin and underlying tissues (cellulitis) or bone (osteomyelitis) are less common causes of upper arm pain.

Upper arm pain can also be a symptom of decreased blood flow to the heart (angina pectoris) or heart attack (myocardial infarction). When this happens, upper arm pain may be accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath and pain or pressure in the chest area. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you have unexplained upper arm pain or any of these symptoms, or you think you may be having a heart attack.

If your upper arm pain is persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care.