To narrow down the causes of arm pain, think of the combinations of symptoms:
1. The arm pain aggravated by touch AND movements can be due to delayed-onset muscle soreness, muscle strain, tendonitis, bone fracture, arthritis, peripheral neuropathy or shingles.
2. The arm pain aggravated by movements, but NOT touch, can be from osteoarthritis or a pinched nerve in the neck, armpit or wrist.
3. The arm pain NOT aggravated by touch or movements can be from coronary heart disease.
4. Pain, tingling, numbness and weakness usually originate from nerve damage associated with a herniated disc in the neck or cubital or carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Pain, redness and rash can be from insect bites, skin infections, shingles or thrombophlebitis.
Arm pain:
1. Right arm
2. Left arm
3. Neck, upper back and arm
4. Shoulder
5. Elbow and forearm
6. Wrist and hand
7. Both arms and legs
8. Muscles, joints, bones, nerves or blood vessels
9. Arm infections
10. Cancer and arm pain
11. Women and arm pain
1. Right Arm Pain
There seem to be no health conditions that would cause pain specifically in the right arm.
1.1. Writer’s cramp refers to involuntary muscle contractions in the dominant (usually right) hand due to prolonged, repeated handwriting. Similar cramps can occur during piano or violin playing. The underlying neurological disorder–dystonia–can be genetic or acquired [36].
1.2. The pain from the gallbladder can radiate into the right shoulder blade or tip of the shoulder and, rarely, in the right arm.
2.Left Arm Pain
2.1. Angina Pectoris and Heart Attack
2.1.1. Coronary heart disease, usually after the age of 40, can cause recurring pain behind the breastbone that can radiate to the left shoulder blade, neck and jaw and down the inside of the left arm, hand and fingers; other symptoms may include shortness of breath, dizziness and fatigue [1,57]. The pain called angina pectoris can be triggered by exercise, stress, large meals or exposure to heat or cold, but not by the movements of the trunk or arms.
Pain in angina pectoris lasts less than 5 minutes and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin [1,57].
Pain in heart attack is usually severe, lasts for more than 15 minutes and is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin [1].
In women, heart-related pain often radiates to both arms [2].
Picture 1. Heart-related arm pain
2.2. Pericarditis
Inflammation of the heart sac (acute pericarditis) can cause low-grade fever and heaviness or sharp pain in the chest, which can radiate down the left arm. The pain, which can be aggravated by lying down and relieved by leaning forward, can persist for few weeks [3].
2.3. Panic Attack and Heart Anxiety Neurosis
In panic attack or heart anxiety neurosis due to emotional stress, chest pain can radiate down the left arm; other symptoms can include hyperventilation, dizziness, pounding heart (palpitations) and excessive sweating [24,59].
2.4. Trapped Gas
In the individuals with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), the gas trapped in the upper left part of the large intestine (near the spleen) can cause pain in the left upper abdomen, chest and shoulder blade and can radiate down the inside of the left or both arms [26,58]. The condition is known as splenic flexure syndrome.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD or acid reflux) can cause pain behind the breastbone (heartburn) and metallic taste in mouth and, rarely, pain in the left arm [25].
3. Neck, Upper Back and Arm Pain
3.1. Pinched nerves in the neck spine (cervical radiculopathy) due to bulging or herniated discs or arthritis can cause discomfort or pain in the neck, medial shoulder blade border and outer side of the upper arm and tingling in the forearm, hand or fingers [10].
The pain can be triggered by bending the neck backward, turning the head sideways or lying down and relieved by placing a hand on the back of the neck or top of the head [10].
Picture 2. Herniated disc in the neck – pain in the neck, upper back, shoulder and upper arm and tingling in the forearm, hand and fingers
3.2. Repetitive forward arm movements during sprints, boxing, push-ups or bench presses can result in serratus anterior muscle pain on one or both sides of the chest, which can radiate down the inside of an arm and into the pinky and ring finger; the pain can be aggravated by deep breathing [21].
Picture 3. Serratus anterior muscle pain
3.3. Overuse of the upper back muscles in sports, like rowing or swimming, can result in myofascial pain syndrome with muscle knots, which act as trigger points: applying pressure on them triggers pain that can radiate down the arm.
3.4. Thoracic outlet syndrome refers to the entrapment of the nerves or blood vessels that travel through the “thoracic outlet” between the clavicle, upper rib and neck muscles into an arm. Risk factors include anatomical abnormalities (cervical rib), bad posture and arm overuse [11]. Symptoms include pain in the neck, shoulder and outer side of the upper arm and pain, pins and needles, numbness, coldness or weakness in the forearm, hand and fingers [11].
Picture 5. Thoracic outlet syndrome – pain in the shoulder and outer side of the upper arm and tingling in the forearm and hand triggered by raising an arm above the shoulder level
3.5. T4 or upper thoracic syndrome. Repeated twisting of the upper part of the body can irritate the joints in the upper thoracic spine and the nearby sympathetic nerves and cause pain between the shoulder blades and abnormal sensations (paresthesia) and coldness in the forearm, hand and all 5 fingers on one or both sides [19].
Picture 9. Pain between the shoulder blades and tingling in a forearm
4.1. Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder impingement) with tenderness in the front of the shoulder and pain in the outer side of the upper arm can result from repeated overhead activities in tennis, golf, lifting, swimming, or painting [12].
4.2. Calcific tendonitis (a chronic inflammation of the tendons around the shoulder) can cause recurring pain in the shoulder and upper arm and snapping in the shoulder.
4.3. Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder–a chronic inflammation of the ligament capsule that embraces the shoulder joints) can cause stiffness and aches in the shoulder and upper arm.
Picture 4. Frozen shoulder pain location
4.4. Arthritis of the shoulder joint can cause swelling in the shoulder and pain in the shoulder and upper arm.
4.5. Shoulder sprain usually presents with swelling and pain in the shoulder and upper arm.
4.6. Shoulder pain can develop within few months after stroke [47].
4.7. Brachial neuritis (an inflammation of the nerves of the brachial plexus) can cause sudden sharp or throbbing pain in one or both shoulders and upper arms. Causes include recent illness, flu shot, surgery and trauma [9].
4.8. Avascular necrosis (the death of the bone in the head of the upper arm bone–humerus) can cause deep throbbing pain in the shoulder, which radiates down to the elbow.
5. Pain in the Elbow and Forearm
5.1. Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is an inflammation of the tendons with pain and tenderness on the inner (medial) side of the elbow due to repetitive gripping, for example in golfers, bowlers and tennis or baseball players (pitcher’s elbow) [17,18].
5.2. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) is an inflammation of the tendons of the forearm muscles with pain and tenderness on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow due to repetitive use of the elbow(s), for example, in tennis players, carpenters, plumbers and painters [16].
Picture 6.
Golfer’s elbow (the upper image): pain on the inner side of the elbow
Tennis elbow (the lower image): pain on the outer side of the elbow
5.3. Cubital tunnel syndrome. Entrapment of the ulnar nerve on the inner side of the elbow (“funny bone”) due to leaning on the elbows (students) or sleeping with bent elbows can cause pain, tingling and numbness in the little and ring finger and on the related side of the lower arm and elbow [13].
Picture 7. Cubital tunnel syndrome: pain down the inner side of the forearm and hand
5.4. Radial tunnel syndrome. Entrapment of the radial nerve on the outside of the elbow due to repetitive elbow extension or forearm rotation can cause pain on the outer side of the forearm and back of the hand, but no numbness or tingling [15].
6. Pain in the Wrist and Hand
6.1. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Entrapment of the median nerve in the wrist due to arthritis, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or wrist overuse can cause pain, tingling and numbness in the first 3 fingers (thumb, index and middle) and the related part of the palmar side of the hand, wrist or forearm [14]. Provocative tests for carpal tunnel syndrome include Phalen’s and Tinel’s test.
Picture 8. Pain distribution in carpal tunnel and Guyon’s canal syndrome
6.2. Guyon’s (ulnar) canal syndrome. Entrapment of the ulnar nerve in the wrist due to repetitive compression of the pinky side of the hand, for example in cyclists, can cause pain, tingling and numbness in the little and ring finger and the related side of the hand and wrist and on the inside of the forearm.
6.3. DeQuervain’s tendonitis is a wrist overuse injury with an inflammation of the muscle tendons that move the thumb. Symptoms include pain, swelling and a catching sensation at the thumb side of the wrist and forearm, especially during grasping and twisting the wrist [50].
6.4. Trigger finger refers to a snapping sensation and pain during extending or bending a finger; the condition can develop due to repetitive straining of a hand [51].
6.6. In the individuals with Raynaud’s disease, which does not have a known cause, the exposure to cold or stress can trigger painful spasms and color changes (blue, red, white) in the fingers [23]. When the underlying cause is known, for example, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), vasculitis, lymphoma, leukemia, vibration injury or diabetes mellitus, the condition is called Raynaud’s phenomenon [23].
Picture 10. Raynaud’s disease – color changes in the fingers (source: Wikimedia, CC license)
7. Bilateral Pain in Arms and Legs
7.1. Fibromyalgia symptoms include tender points on the outer sides of the elbows, in the back of the neck, shoulder blades, in the hips and knees, and fatigue [29].
7.2. Peripheral neuropathy is the damage to the nerves in the feet and arms, for example, in the individuals with untreated diabetes mellitus, nutrient deficiencies, autoimmune diseases (Sjögren’s syndrome), and in chronic alcoholics. Symmetrical burning pain, extreme sensitivity to touch, tingling and numbness in the feet, lower legs, hands and forearms appear in a “stockings and gloves” pattern [22].
7.3. Other neurological disorders that can cause pain, muscle weakness, tingling or numbness in both arms and legs, headache or urinary incontinence:
- Cervical spinal stenosis with myelopathy [32]
- Syringomyelia due to a cyst in the neck part of the spinal cord [52]
- Transverse myelitis due to Lyme disease, shingles, vaccination, multiple sclerosis or autoimmune disorders
- Guillain-Barré syndrome with weakness, tingling, numbness and pain, which rapidly progresses from the toes and fingers toward the trunk and head [5]
- Post-polio syndrome, which can develop many years after an infection with the poliovirus [53]
7.4. Polymyositis and dermatomyositis is an inflammatory muscle disease with mild pain in the shoulder and hip muscles, and rash [33].
7.5. Polymyalgia rheumatica is a muscle disease in older people with a sudden onset of low-grade fever and pain and stiffness in the shoulders, upper arms, hips and thighs, which are worse in the morning [34].
8. Arm Pain By the Affected Tissue
8.1. Muscle Pain
Muscle and tendon pain are aggravated by muscle use and are associated with localized muscle tenderness and eventual swelling.
8.1.1. Delayed-onset muscle soreness can develop 24-48 hours after a heavy exercise, such as lifting, and may persist for few days [35].
8.1.2. Muscle strain (pulled muscle) can occur during overtraining or injury; symptoms include sudden pain, mild swelling and tenderness; the pain can persist for few weeks.
8.1.3. Muscle rupture (tear) causes sudden severe pain, bruise and a palpable deformity; the pain can persist for few months.
8.1.4. Compartment syndrome refers to an acute or chronic increase in the pressure in the compartments between the muscles. Causes include bleeding or swelling after prolonged compression of the arm (lying unconsciously in alcoholics or surgical patients, wearing tight splints), crush trauma or intense muscle use (in cyclists or motocross racers). The blood flow to the muscles is interrupted [55]. Symptoms include intense burning pain, swelling and tightness in the affected part of the arm [56]. Treatment delay can result in muscle death (necrosis), which may require the amputation of an arm.
8.1.5. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown) can occur as a complication of acute compartment syndrome; symptoms include muscle soreness and dark urine [37].
8.2. Joint Pain
Joint disorders usually present with joint pain, tenderness and swelling.
8.2.1. Joint injury, such as sprain or dislocation, causes joint pain, swelling and tenderness.
8.2.2. Shoulder or elbow overuse can cause bursitis (an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs between the tendons and bone) with tenderness, swelling and redness.
8.2.3. Osteoarthritis (joint damage due to wear and tear), mainly in the shoulders and wrists, causes pain and stiffness, which worsen through the day, but no swelling. Bone spurs near the joints may present as hard lumps.
8.2.4. An inflammation of the joints in the fingers due to rheumatoid arthritis [30], psoriatic arthritis [54] or systemic lupus erythematosus [31], causes swelling and redness of the finger knuckles and pain and stiffness, which is worse in the morning. The shoulders, wrists, hips, knees and feet can also be affected.
8.3. Bone Pain
8.3.1. Bone bruise or contusion is a bleeding within a non-broken bone, for example, in the head of the upper arm bone (in the shoulder), elbow or wrist after a direct hit or fall. A visible bruise can disappear in few weeks, but bone pain can persist for several months.
8.3.2. Bone fracture causes sudden, severe pain, swelling, bruising and arm deformity [38].
8.4. Nerve Pain
Nerve disorders usually cause shooting or burning pain, tingling or numbness.
8.4.1. Complex regional pain syndrome can present with a continuous squeezing or throbbing pain in the entire arm after an arm injury, surgery, immobilization, heart attack or stroke. Other symptoms include changes in the skin appearance and temperature, abnormal sensations, muscle loss and weakness [48,49].
8.5. Pain From the Blood Vessels
8.5.1. Thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger’s disease) is an inflammation of the arteries and veins, mainly in young male smokers. The pain in the feet and hands is triggered by walking or hand use [42].
8.5.2. A blood clot in a vein can cause thrombophlebitis (thrombus = blood clot; phlebitis = inflammation of a vein). Risk factors include an injury, prolonged immobilization, smoking, vasculitis, cancer and intravenous drug abuse [41]. Pain, tenderness and red lines along the affected veins may persist for several weeks [41].
9. Arm Infections and Pain
9.1. Shingles occurs due to reactivation of the Varicella-zoster virus in one of the spinal nerves that supply the arm. Severe burning pain is typically accompanied by itchy red blisters, which crust over and disappear within several weeks.
Picture 11. Shingles in the shoulder and upper arm (source: Samuel Freire da Silva, MD, Dermatology Atlas)
9.2. Cellulitis (a bacterial infection of the underskin tissues), which can result from a skin cut, vasculitis or insect or animal bite, appears as a tender, red and warm swelling [40].
9.3. Lymphangitis, an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, presents as tender, red streaks traveling from the hand or arm toward the armpit, enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits, fever and chills [43].
9.4. Bone infection (osteomyelitis) caused by trauma or systemic infection can present with fever, chills and deep dull or throbbing pain, swelling and redness [39].
10. Cancer
10.1. Sarcoma (a malignant tumor of the soft tissues) can appear as painless or painful lump or arm swelling [4].
10.2. Bone cancer in an arm can cause constant deep, dull pain, in early stages only at night [46].
10.3. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpits; drinking alcohol can trigger pain in the armpit and arm [20].
10.4. “Pancoast tumor” at the top of the lungs on either side can invade the nerves that supply the arm (brachial plexus) and cause pain around the shoulder blade, which can travel down the inner side of the arm [8].
11. Arm Pain in Women (Including Pregnancy)
11.1. Cyclic breast pain refers to pain and heaviness in both breasts and, sometimes, in the armpits and arms in the period between ovulation and menstruation [45].
11.2. Breast cancer with enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits or a radical breast cancer surgery with removal of the lymph nodes can result in arm swelling (lymphedema) and pain.
Poor posture or a change in sleeping position in pregnancy can cause arm pain.
12. Phantom Arm Pain
Phantom arm pain is a sense of boring or squeezing pain in the part of the arm that is no longer a part of the body because it has been amputated [44]. Phantom pain can appear within days or years after amputation and can persist for several weeks or even years [44].
13. Unexplained Arm Pain
Often, the cause of the arm pain can not be identified, at least not initially, for example in brachial neuritis, Raynaud’s disease, complex regional pain syndrome or lung cancer.
Diagnosis
In most cases, it is an orthopedist or neurologist who can find a cause of arm pain. Investigations, such as computer tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or blood tests, may be needed.
Treatment
Treatment of arm pain depends on the cause.
Overuse injuries can heal on their own after relative rest or wearing braces.
If the pain persists, you may consider giving up a sports activity or changing a job.
Over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, paracetamol or ibuprofen, can help in mild to moderate pain; for severe pain, a doctor can prescribe narcotics.
Severe shoulder or arm pain may require immobilization.
Surgery can help in a pinched nerve, calcific tendonitis, adhesive capsulitis, complicated fracture, thoracic outlet syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- References
- Symptoms of coronary artery disease Cleveland Clinic
- Heart attack symptoms in women Heart.org
- Acute pericarditis Merck Manuals
- General Information About Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma National Cancer Institute
- Andary MT, Guillain-Barre syndrome, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Muscle pain Mayo Clinic
- Can panic attacks cause arm pain MDJunction
- D’Silva KJ, Pancoast syndrome clinical presentation Emedicine
- Ashworth NL, Brachial neuritis, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Rodway I, Cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve) OrthoInfo
- Mackinnon SE et al, 2001, Thoracic outlet syndrome Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine
- Shoulder Impingement/Rotator Cuff Tendinitis OrthoInfo
- Ulnar Nerve Entrapment at the Elbow (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome) OrthoInfo
- Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet National Institute of the Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Stern M, Radial nerve entrapment, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) OrthoInfo
- Golf injury prevention OrthoInfo
- Golfer’s elbow WebMD
- Evans P, 1996, The T4 syndrome Physiotherapy
- Alcohol related pain and Hodgkin’s disease OncoLink
- Serratus Anterior Muscle Pain And Trigger Points Painotopia.com
- Peripheral neuropathy Patient.info
- Hansen-Dispenza H, Raynaud phenomenon, clinical presentation Emedicine
- What is heart anxiety neurosis? PGD Healthcare
- Could GERD cause arm pain? Everyday Health
- Question: Left upper side chest and inner left arm pain Doctors Lounge
- March, 8th, 2013, University professor, 37, dies from lung cancer after string of doctors dismissed symptoms as ‘anxiety and depression’ Daily Mail Online
- Kaplan M, Chronic fatigue syndrome/fibromyalgia symptom checklist Anapsid.org
- Fibromyalgia tender points WebMD
- What are symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? WebMD
- Bartels CM, Systemic lupus erythematosus, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Cervical spinal stenosis, topic overview WebMD
- Dermatomyositis Muscular Dystrophy Association
- Polymyalgia rheumatica American College of Rheumatology
- Sarnataro BR, Sore muscles? Don’t stop exercising. WebMD
- Dystonia fact sheets National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Rhabdomyolysis MedlinePlus
- Arm fracture Drugs.com
- Kishner S, Osteomyelitis clinical presentation Emedicine
- Cellulitis MedlinePlus
- Rosh AJ, Superficial thrombophlebitis Emedicine
- Piazza G et al, 2010, Thromboangiitis obliterans Circulation
- Lymphangitis MedlinePlus
- Nikolajsen L, 2001, Phantom limb pain British Journal of Anesthesia
- Breast pain (mastalgia) WebMD
- Bone cancer symptoms Cancer Treatment Centers of America
- Gould R, Shoulder pain in hemiplegia Emedicine
- Complex regional pain syndrome fact sheet National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Complex regional pain syndrome symptoms Mayo Clinic
- DeQuervain’s tendonitis OrtoInfo
- Trigger finger OrthoInfo
- Syringomyelia fact sheet National Institute of the Neurological Disorders and Stroke
- Kedlaya D, Post-polio syndrome, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory form of arthritis Psoriasis.org
- Rasul AT, Acute compartment syndrome Emedicine
- Rasul AT, Acute compartment syndrome, clinical presentation Emedicine
- Angina Pectoris Merck Manual
- Shafar J, 1965, The splenic flexure syndrome Postgraduate Medical Journal
Hi i get upper arm pain caused by muscle spasm due to stress. It causes pain up to my hands. Causes my arm to be lame. Unbearable pain. Pain killers dont work at all
Hi. I have right arm pain on my upper arm caused by muscle spasm due to stress. It feels like it is swollen. It causes my hole arm down to my hands to get lame. The pain is unbearable and pain killers dont work at all
Hi, the pain I experience starts from my head ( right side) and radiates to my neck and then to my right shoulder and disappears within seconds. It’s quite painful!
Hi I have pain in my left side wrist forarm back side of the neck upper chest pain causes
Hi Everyone!
I have been having severe pain in my left shoulder joint for several months now. It went away for a bit when I took some time off and let it rest. A few days ago I noticed a golf ball sized lump near the top of my left humerus near the joint. The pain had started coming back and has remained constant no matter what I do. Ever since I found the lump both of my shoulder joints have been burning with stabbing pain. The pain worsens at night. Any ideas? Thanks
Hello, I am in my second trimester. I am getting pain with soreness followed by numbness and weakness in my right arm immediately after lying down on bed. It is relieved by sitting upright.pain is 8/10. It started 2 days back after I had accidental blow on my right shoulder. I tried not using pillow while sleeping but of no use. Kindly give valuable suggestion. Thanks.
right hand, side (towards thumb) of index finger, about 1/2 inch below large knuckle, is extremely sensitive after walking into a wall weeks ago. Never produced a bruise. Pain is very local, not general in its area. Perhaps it’s a bruised bone?
51 year old female. For the last 2 years while laying in bed at night I experience pins and needles down the inside of both arms and just under my breasts. This also happens when I’m in the recliner position. Happens frequently throughout the night. Waiting for a second neurologist appointment as both my gp and naturopath don’t have a diagnosis.
have pain in the neck , upper arms both left and right, that i had to twist my neck to ease the pain. I cannot raise up my hand due to the pain. what can this be
Such pain can arise from a pinched nerve in the neck or under the clavicle, for example, or it can be myofascial pain. It is an orthopedist who can give you an exact diagnosis.
For about a month now i have been having this pain on my left shoulder right down to my wrist and fingers, at times my fingers pain me so much i cant bend them. At times i feel numbness and pain right inside my nails. At times i feel a shocking sensation in my fingers. It is really painful at times. I cant do no launder, cause if i do it pains a lot.
Hi,
I have been having a strange pain in my left arm and especially when I lie down. It is as if I want to stretch my arm as far as I can to get relief. When I touch the top of my forearm or bicep, it hurts like a sore deep tissue kind of sore and massaging it feels very painful but makes it feel better. It has not gone away and has been there for months now and seems to be getting worse. I thought it may be from being on my phone all the time and keeping it bent? No clue but I work on my phone non stop.
Hi , for the past four days I have been suffering with severe constricting pain from my top left arm down to the crease in my elbow..Also have pain which is just in the area of my back ,but it is just over the top of my shoulder ..Cannot place it down without severe pain , the pain is constant..I take medication for Fibro , Lyrica , also Naproxen , even have Amitryptiline to help but nothing is helping..
I think you have pinched nerve in the neck or arthritis of cervical vertebra.
I’m a 35 year old female. For the past 4 months, I have woken up each day with a dull ache in my left wrist. It is always more severe in the morning and typically lets up by late afternoon.
Recently the pain has been worse when I wake up, and it has also spread to my upper arm (only the outer portion though). It hurts to pick up anything heavier than a few pounds and the pain isn’t going away as quickly each day.
I dragon boat competitively, so I was wondering if the repetitive motion of paddling contributed to this. However, once the season ended about two months ago, the pain didn’t stop.
Any ideas what could be causing this?
I live every day in constant pain in both arms. Mostly my right arm. Feels like nerve pain from top of my arm…shoots down to my forearm (outside forearm..not under) into my fingers. The pain during the day is tolerable but still constant. At Night I cry myself to sleep the pain is so bad. It hurts to drive, pick up things, do dishes, put my clothes on etc. I recently tore my meniscus and my ortho Dr prescribed hydrocodone, this medication dosent help or reduce the pain.
Any ideas why I am in so much pain?
Did you figure anything out? I started with arm pain from shoulder to fingers six months ago. Just woke up with it. Now my other arm hurts too. Some days my hand is very week and can not even write. Give nerve pain meds but has not helped at all.
I have had a lot of pain deep in the crease of my elbow with numbness and slight heaviness all down my arm, sometimes I get slight swelling in the fingers and have been diagnosed previously with tennis elbow and tendinitis. It can also affect my shoulder and neck too and I can be in some pain when i try to lift my arm up also it can be difficult to lift my arm too high because of the heavy feeling i get with it. i can here and feel my neck crunch sometimes too. hope you can help by explaining what it may be, please
Such symptoms, apart from tennis elbow, can arise from a herniated disc in the neck, for example. I suggest you to arrange an appointment with an orthopedist or neurologist.
I notice that a lot of comments on here are from people who are very worried about symptoms they are experiencing. I really want to reiterate what Jan Modric is saying through the posts, go see a medical practitioner rather than asking questions on an anonymous website like this. Whilst you may get reassurance, nothing can beat being assessed and examined in person. Good luck and good health to all.
I put in my question/comment yesterday and NO ONE has given me any reply. Yet those after me were given replies. This is the story of my life. I am always ignored! I can’t seem to get anyone to care about me. I am always alone and here is another time when once again I was purposely ignored. It really hurts to be me.
I dont think you are being ignored Ellen, this is a massive database and I am guessing only a few people monitoring the questions. So don’t feel alone or purposely ignored. Maybe you should make an appointment with your Doctor to discuss your symptoms. I was a nurse practitioner before I retired and often, discussion with patients on the phone could not give a definitive answer. It was always better to see the person, listen to what they were experiencing and then examine them to weight up what appeared to be going on. The mere fact that you have a ‘lump’ inside the crease of your elbow really needs to be assessed properly in person by a medical practitioner. I do hope you get the answer you need. But again, dont feel alone and ignored. This website is huge and answers/replies do take a long time from what I can see. Dont ignore your health, go see a doctor if you are able to. Good luck.
sorry for the typo – it should read ‘weigh’ not ‘weight’.
You may have enlarged lymph nodes in the elbow and armpit. This could explain heaviness in the arm and swollen fingers. I suggest you to get this checked by a doctor.
Hello there,
I am a 26 y/o female. I have had shooting, pinching, dull pain in both inner arms and elbow for a few months now. I take neurotin for the pain because I thought I had nerve pain. The meds don’t seem to be helping anymore. The pain usually occurs at night before bed or wakes me up because it hurts so badly. What is going on with me! It’s not from a pulled muscle or strain. I haven’t been working out or anything like that. Thx.
You can visit your doctor and discuss about a referral for a neurologist or orthopedist.
do you use a computer or smartphone regularly Could it be repetitive strain injury? Not trying to diagnose on here and agree with previous reply from Jan, best to go see a medical practitioner for proper assessment and diagnosis. Good luck.
I had rotor cuff surgery fell and retore rotor cuff had repaired again needing and anchor put in to hold it since I have massive swelling in outside of upper arm as well as swelling in arm pit and breast area . have pain in neck and shoulder when lifting anything swelling of arm and breast will not go down what is causing this ? I have tried physical therphy until they could not do any thing further .it is effecting my everyday activities from cleaning to shopping.
You might want to see a doctor.
I’m a 65 yr old female, for about a week, there’s a large, hard, chicken egg size, painful to touch, lump on crease side of left elbow. Fingers on same side feel swollen when I bend them. Also, upper, left arm, there’s a full, heaviness to it, like there’s a whole, trapped onion there, this is inside my left, upper arm, you can’t see anything on the surface, it just feels like this inside the upper arm. Just trying to describe it the best I can. I have SLE lupus, with a hemoglobin that’s always low, around 9. All my life I’ve had anemia, I lack the ability to absorb nutrients, minerals and vitamins, but not fat. I’m 5’1″, weigh about 160, I don’t eat a lot, but gain very easily, it is extremely hard to lose weight. I do have thyroid condition and take thyroxin. I digressed a little, I’m really interested what’s going on with my left arm. Thank you.
I have been experiencing pain during the last few weeks in my shoulders down to my hands. It is present on both sides of my body. Nothing has changed in my lifestyle. I’m 50 years old. I literally hurt all night long and cannot get comfortable. I notice it during the day, but not as bad, probably because I’m working and constantly on my feet. I’m exhausted from getting poor sleep because of this. I’ve tried Aleve, as well as a muscle relaxer. And neither work. its strange that it’s symmetrical? On both sides of my body. Any ideas?
Does pain changes when you move your arms? Such pain could be from a spinal stenosis in the neck, for example. Or from polymyositis.
I am a 53 year old female. I have pain that starts in the center of my neck and slowly moves down both arms all the way to my fingers. Then a sharp pain shoots through the center if my chest like a lighting strike. It last for minutes and I cant move until it passes. Im weak and sometimes a cold sweat. I feel it coming on sometimes and stop what im doing till it passes. I do not have medical insurance and cant afford a bunch of test. My massage therapist helps sometimes but im so confused.
Please, try to find some way and go to a doctor. Your symptoms could come from the heart or spinal cord.
dont be confused Kimberly, I agree with Jan, you need to see a doctor, your symptoms might be indicative of a heart problem. Not trying to frighten you I promise, but dont ignore what is happening, go see a doctor.
Hi, I have a very high pain threshold so tend to bare with what ever pain or sickness till it passes, but for a while now I have been getting a sharp pain in my collar bone that shoots down my right arm to my pinky and ring finger, the pain is more painful on my collar bone and upper right arm, it’s that bad it wakes me up and nothing I do eases the pain.
Such pain can be, for example, from a pinched nerve at the site where the brachial plexus runs below the clavicle; the condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome. I strongly suggest you to visit a doctor and ask for a referral to an orthopedist or neurologist.
i am 44 year old. i have severe pain in my downward portion of my left arm straight to last two small figures,and pain in hand,jaw,neck,upper breast bone too. i couldn’t figure out the exact disease i had and the test i need to get ?
Is any of these painful areas tender to touch and does pain change when you move the arm or neck? How did it start and could it be related to some physical injury?
Please go immediately to the ER. I had all of the same symptoms, ignored it only to find out I had a heart attack. Do not be embarrassed to go to the ER for fear it is not a heart attack. Better to be safe than no longer here.
excellent reply Victoria, always better to be safe than sorry.
I was just diagnosed with a severe case of arthritis in my left hip..been a waitress/bartender for years. Had a cortisone shot via x ray 2 weeks ago, and am taking 200 mg of Celebrex daily, as well as gluc/chon and Osteo Bi Flex. All of a sudden I am having spasms from under my left armpit to midway around my elbow. Have crap insurance so spending a good deal of $$ on orthopedic and chiro care. Any suggestions?
Can you contact the doctor who gave you an injection?
I’m 44 and for the past week have had upper arm pain mainly in the left. It is dull throbbing and kind of spasms at times. I would say very slight tingles in the hand as well. Nothing I do changes the intensity – use it or rest it, pain is still there. some days are worse than others.
You may want to see a doctor – it could be a neurological problem.
A few weeks ago I got sudden pain/discomfort in my right shoulder. A few days later my index and middle finger on same side are numb. The discomfort was usually worse if I was driving. If I lay on my right side to sleep, it was better. Now fast forward to today and it’s a different kind/level of pain. It is constant and worse while sitting or walking. Can’t seem to find relief in any position. Fingers still numb. It almost feels like a bubble, pocket or object is lodged under my shoulder. Also, get bad migraines in the back of my head and I’m the temporal area especially on right side.
Such symptoms can be neurological, for example, due to a herniated disc in the neck or brachial neuritis. I strongly suggest you to go to a doctor soon to prevent any permanent damage.
I have pain on my left side, arm and shoulder it feels the same as my right side felt when I had my gallbladder surgery. 5 weeks ago I feel and broke my left foot. Was in a cast, now a boot. 2 weeks ago my gallbladder was removed. Please tell me what’s going on with my left side. It hits every night around 2am. The pain is severe.
Please go to a doctor. Theoretically, a blood clot can develop in the leg veins during immobilization and dislodge and travel to the lungs where it can block a lung artery (pulmonary embolism), which results in an inflammation of the lung membrane (pleurisy), which can cause pain at the tip of the shoulder.
I havent slept since 2 days ago . All last night i had pain in my left arm shoulder blade amd was short of breath i got probably 1 hrs sleep as i was worried and i just couldnt sleep. And now i am fewling the same pain in my arm sometimes it tingles and my fingers hurt too. I have a funny pain that appears within my left breast area every know and again. And my breathing is playing up again should i be worried or not.
I strongly recommend you to go to a doctor.
All of a sudden my left Palm is aching the pain travels up my arm and is severe, using a freeze gel helps but the pain woke me up and I took 2 paracetamol that took the edge off. Any ideas?
Can you be more specific? Are all of the fingers involved, does the pain change with moving the hand…?
Hi there I have a dull sensation in inner bicep then a warm shooting sensation down into wrist area ( both arms ) can you help ?maybe caused from rugby not sure.
May I add the odd pins and needles in hand very light
I suggest you to arrange an appointment with an orthopedist.
39 year old female. My neck aches nd causes head aches. Both arms ache with pain here and there. My arm pits get some pain. Fingers tingle now and then. My breast ache and are sore to touch. I am constantly doing the same thing at work. And have been a little stressed. I’m wondering if it could be a pinched nerve. No pain when breath or In Center of chest. 170lbs. Am over weight but I do all about 7000 to 14000 steps a day when working… help.
Do you twist or bend your neck or upper torso during work a lot? I can’t exclude a pinched nerve in the neck, but such symptoms could be also from myofascial pain, for example.
I woke up and had a sharp sudden pain in the back upper muscle of my left arm, sorta near my arm pit? after massaging in laying in one position it calmed down but still has a dull ache mostly when i move or use my arm, could it be something serious?
it made me really anxious, first thing i thought of was a heart attack but im an 18 year old female with a very healthy heart
Heart attack is very rare in women under 55 years of age and it rarely occurs without pain in the chest or back.
If it is a stretched muscle due to sleeping the wrong way or due to lifting heavy objects or exercise…it should improve in few days. If not, you can visit a doctor.
Good day
I woke up with both my arms paining on inside from shoulder to my hand. Feels like a numb thumping heavy pain.
If this is something new and is not caused by physical work, go to a doctor. It can be a problem with the nerves or blood vessels.
Woke up with pain on my left side from the outside of my neck down my ribs shortness of breath 2 days ago I’m 44
Might be related to lungs; please go to a doctor.
Good day,
I am experiencing tennis elbow and pain in the shoulder (socket). Doctor diagnosed the tennis elbow and treated me with anti-inflammatory tablets.
Lately, I realized that my right eye seems smaller than my left. I only realized the difference when looking at photos. In April 2017 my eye still looks the same but from 19 May 2017(my husband’s birthday), my eye looks smaller.
Does my right arm shoulder pain (less pain from tennis elbow) have something to do with my right eye?
Lastly, not sure if it is relevant, I sometimes feel a tingling on the left side of my head (almost like a goose bump feeling. I am a 39 year old female, who turns 40 in September.
Thank you for your assistance and for this platform.
By smaller eye do you mean smaller pupil or smaller visible area of the eye because of the eyelid drop? If you can relate your symptoms to Horner’s syndrome, I suggest you to ask for a referral to a neurologist.
Tingling on one side of the head can occur in some types of migraine or it can be neurological.
If the pain in the elbow and shoulder are due to physical stress, I don’t see the connection with the eye. But if there is any problem in the brain, this could cause a problem with the eye and eventually certain symptoms in the arm.
Recently I have have been having severe neck pain where it feels like my head is to heavy to hold upright also in in top of my right arm the uner part really bad dull ache also ache in right hand and numbness / pins needles in right thumb wrist painful also
Such symptoms can occur due to a herniated disc in the neck, among other. I strongly suggest you to visit a doctor.
Greetings
I have been have pains in my shoulder over 5months now after playing a volleyball
I have taking drugs but all seems not be working pls advice me.
There are several possible causes of shoulder pain in volleyball players, such as shoulder impingement (rotator cuff tendinitis) and a pinched nerve at the top of the shoulder blade (suprascapular nerve entrapment), among other. An orthopedist can tell more.
Hi Jan
I was abruptly woken from sleep this morning with a sharp sudden pulling lightening stabbing pain in my left upper inner arm which lasted for a split second. It really got me up from my sleep.I do not smoke.
This has happened a few times in the morning during sleep but not as deep and sharp as this time over a few months.
I am 59 not on any meds but takes 2 baby aspirin every evening. I do have high blood pressure and cholesterol. My mum died at 48 of a heart attack and i am so scared . Please advise.advise. Do u think I should have an angiogram to rule out blockages. I also get very anxious and took more aspirin and a valium. I feel I need to have an angiogram to see whats going on exaclty.
You can ask for a referral to a cardiologist who will decide about investigations, which can include a 24-hour ECG, exercise stress test and, if needed, angiogram.
I’m 35years old woman, with occasional pain in the lower right abdomen, which invariably causes numbness in my right arm and leg with tingling feeling in d neck. What test would you suggest pls
You may want to visit your doctor who can tell more after a physical examination.
My left arm aches all the way down, into my hand……..nerve pain, I’m assuming……. Fibromyalgia pain…..take cymbalta for it…..helps tremendously.
39 y/o male. Over the last 5-6 weeks I have had pain in my left shoulder that travels down my arm and results in some numbness in my fingers. My right shoulder blade also has some tingling. I have a mildly enlarged spleen as well and recently diagnosed with microscopic colitis. All blood work has been ok. Any thoughts?
Pain in the left shoulder and arm and numbness in the fingers + tingling in the right shoulder can result from a pinched nerve in the neck spine (cervical radiculopathy) or myofascial syndrome, among other. A neurologist or orthopedist can tell more after performing a physical examination. Placing a hand on the affected side on the top of the head or behind the neck often relieves pain caused by a herniated disc in the neck (Spurling’s test).
Irritation of the diaphragm muscle by enlarged spleen or inflamed colon could theoretically cause referred pain in the left (and maybe right) shoulder.
I am taking atorvastatin have developed carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands now experiencing elbow pain in right arm. Could this be a side effect? Also take calcium/vitamin D for osteopenia.
Tell this to your doctor and discuss about other treatment options. Different statins have different side effects.
Two months ago while scrubbing floors I hurt my upper right arm, kind of right where the back muscle meets the front…if that makes since. Its been moths and now if I hold my arm up kind like the right turn signal motion but in my right arm, or I lift a plate and try to bring it from the right side over towards the left it starts shaking and I can feel the pain in my shoulder blade, in the back and on the inside of my right arm muscle. I’ve tried, ice/heat/ibuprofen and tried to rest. But as soon as I make an effort to do something with it the pain gets worse. And the stiffness gets worse. My regular full time job is a desk job and I carry stress in my shoulders. But the most odd thing is that when my arm is in the right turn signal position I cant go backwards with my arm like I can with the left. Its stuck. Any ideas?
You may want to visit an orthopedist.
Hi There
I have been infected from a unique kind of pain which see increased numbness and sensitivity to my index finger which remains the epicenter of pain.
I do occasionally feel that pain travelling to elbow and full arm leading to shoulder as it gets worse in some days. I do feel sharp pressure on left hand leading to index finger pain wave in case of cough, dowsing and itching
Kindly inform me the probable illness from symptoms
Regards
Umer
Such symptoms can be cause by a pinched nerve in the neck (due to a herniated disc) or wrist (due to carpal tunnel syndrome) or from both. An orthopedist or neurologist can say more.
I’ve been experiencing elevated heart rate between 99 – 125 more often than not off and on since 2013 but last summer is when i began choking and noticed the left jugular vein bulging and causes sharp pain. I recently had to be rushed to the ER due to a bad case of community accuires pneumonia. My heart rate was 120 and zoomed up to 160 but never going down past 120 for 2 days. They ran blood and my white blood cell was obviously elevated due to the pneumonia in my left lung but the doctor also ran a bnp blood test because I been experiencing very bad right calf, ankle and foot swelling a few times in about 4 months time. I had 2 ecg and both came back fine. My regular doctor won’t take what the ER doctor has put in his notes seriously, as he said it could be fluid on my heart or a valve issue going on but my regular doctor seems to think its anxiety related when i know my body and obviously if anyone is having 120+ beats per minute as a resting rate is going to become panicked. Duh. It gets so fast thAt my teeth shadder like one does when theyre cold. My vision is really off to and almost like how you see when you get water in your eyes. I’ve experienced the sensation of almost like adrenalin rush that feels like it explodes and moves from my upper left side of my chest and into my left arm leaving it tingling. This happens either at random when I’m watching t.v. or laying in bed without thinking of anything at all or when I’m randomly startled when i drop my phone or a drink, when my dogs bark or even when someone yells my name. Wth is going on? I went to my regular doctor today and of course she says anxiety still but I already knew she wasnt going to take what the ER said seriously and just went in to get my blood tested again. Im very worried especially about my bnp levels. She won’t write another referral so i can see a cardiologist sooner. Its may 17th today and i don’t see this specialist until June 8th and even though my bloodwork including bnp levels came back in within a few hours at the ER, this clinic won’t have results for a while dang week.
My bnp was 940 and obviously its incredibly worrisome considering normal ideal ranges are 0.01 and they worry if it’s even 300.
Any ideas? I’m afraid I got pneumonia due to a valve leaking and its making all this so much worse. I haven’t been able to do any exercise including just walking to get my mail or go to a store for several months and well become pneumonia hit me. ER doctor told me I should be on bed rest at least until i see the cardiologist. Obviously my regular doctor (physician assistant) thinks other wise. I’m a month shy of 30, i have epilepsy (3 seizure disorders- 2 are medication resistant). I don’t do illegal drugs or drink alcohol. I do smoke and cut back trying to quit, i take a lot of excedrin due to headaches and also slowly cutting back, I only drink water, apple juice and sometimes sprite now and also on lamictal for seizures. I stopped birth control, all vitimans, another new seizure med that was making symptoms worse and eating healthier although I didn’t eat hardly at all before. I such bad left eye pressure and the sensation of nose bleeds without bleeding. I just want this nightmare to end.
If your leg swells again, you may want to make a photo and show it to the doctor at your next appointment.
I had same symptoms for a week then I had headache with it I had a blood clot in my heart get it checked please
I am a female 50 yrs of age. Over the past few weeks on three separate instances I have pain in my upper left arm (inner bicep) but I haven’t been lifting, pulling or lugging anything. It seems to come out of no where and after a few days it seems to leave as quickly. The pain when it is here is quite painful and constant – as if I had overused it or injured it some how. I don’t feel dizzy, lightheaded or nauseous when it happens. Today is the first time that I also felt it in my right arm. Any ideas what might be causing this?
Hm, I do not know.
I’ve been treated for high blood pressure now for about ten years, with Valsartan and Losartan. Also, I was taking Simvastatin for cholesterol.
Last fall, my cholesterol medicine was switched to Atrovastatin. About an hour after taking, the daily dose, my right arm started aching. My urine also was getting strong and brown. I lost almost 15 pounds (during the Thanksgiving holiday, too). I took the 40 mgs daily for almost three months, before I just quit taking it. All of a sudden, everything seemed back to normal. My arm no longer ached. My urine got clearer and yellow again.
I am back on the Simvastatin because my number is about 240 for cholesterol, but my arm ache started up again. Whenever I eat something fatty, like pork or ice cream, I get the ache. Sometimes I don’t get the ache…if I’m not eating at all, just drinking water.
The pain seems to be along a blood vessel on the non-elbow side of the non-heart side arm…right arm.
I asked the doctor about it. I had to specifically BEG for a stress test to find out if that vessel was plugged.
Never had ANY testing done before, except labs to check my liver because of the statin drug.
What I got was a stress test that had a machine read my heart beating while I ran on a treadmill. They said that my heart was ‘ok.’ No imaging to see if any vessels were plugged.
Thus, no info on any vessels being plugged either, because I do not think I am their ‘customer.’ I’m only their ticket to money from my insurance. The REAL customer is my insurance company who is telling the doctor not to run up any bills. The insurance will pay the doctor that monthly ‘club’ fee, but they tell the doctor don’t do anything except keep this baby boomer ‘comfortable’ until she dies earlier, instead of later.
In other words, I have health insurance, but absolutely no health care. I’ve felt this for a long time now. In fact, I’ve had health insurance my whole life, but never had health care!
I’m getting more concerned as time goes on. I’m headed for some major health event with my high blood pressure, and I have no health care.
So is this medicine for cholesterol causing this pain, or what should I do, what should I BEG for to determine why do I have high blood pressure and arm pain? I need information to become my own doctor. I’ve done this my whole life. Go and read read read all about it, and then BEG. You’d think that when you go to an educated doctor, they would at least
feel obligated to earn their money.
First, I do not know, but one rare side effect of the statin drugs, including atorvastatin, especially when taking in a combination with other drugs, is rhabdomyolysis – the muscle breakdown. The main symptoms are muscle weakness and aches and dark urine because of myoglobin leaking from the muscles into the urine.
You can read here:
Mayo Clinic
Drugs.com
PubMed Central:
If you believe you had no problems before starting atorvastatin, problem started after taking it, disappeared after stopping it and again appeared…it’s then very likely that the atorvastatin is the cause. I strongly recommend you to explain this to a doctor and mention the possibility of rhabdomyolysis. Continuing with this medicine could be life-threatening.
Please, be aware that I cannot by any means say if this is what actually happened to you, but you should speak with a doctor about this. This side effect increases with the dose or type of the statin drug, so it could occur with some other statin.
Clogged vessels in the heart (coronary artery disease) can cause pain in the middle of the chest, on the left side of the neck/jaw and in the left arm. The pain is triggered by physical or emotional stress and typically lasts for less than 5 minutes at the time. The pain that occurs only in the right arm is not typical for heart disease.
Dark urine in combination of weight loss can be also from dehydration – drinking too little fluid.
Right arm pain is a heart attack sign in women
Heart attack can cause pain in the right arm but usually together with pain in the left arm and chest. Pain in the right arm as a single symptom is very rare in heart attack.
Also, normal ECG pretty much excludes heart attack.
That’s not true. I had normal EKG all the time and I had two heart attacks when I was only 47.
Normal EKG before or after the attack?
Im nearly 40 and yesterday I woke up with a throbbing pain up both arms, from my wrists up to my shoulders – the pain is still there and is constant – I havent done anything to cause this – any ideas? thankyou
Such pain could be due to arteries trapped between the clavicles and the first ribs (thoracic outlet syndrome), possibly by sleeping in a different way than usually. I can by no means say if this is what happened in your case. If it continues, please go to the doctor.
About a month and a half ago I woke up one morning and my wrist hurts very badly to move it at all and it was so weak I could hardly put my hair up in a bun. Since that day the pain, numbness, tingling, swelling, and sometimes burning sensations have only gotten worse and more specific. My wrist still has a lot of pain especially with use on the top part of my wrist, my middle finger, thumb, and pointer finger hurt when my wrist or elbow are bent or raised for even just 30 sec or longer. My fingers get so swollen and tight when I sleep I can’t straighten them when I wake up in the morning. Sometimes it takes an hour or longer to get my hand working enough to straighten my fingers without using my other hand (it is very painful when I try to do that), and lastly, my elbow has sometimes sharp pains around the outside near my funny bone, it also has a constant achey pain in the same area, but sometimes I can feel it on the inside of my bicep area and the inside of my elbow as well… I am 26 years old, have not injured my elbow or arm whatsoever, I just woke up with this ailment one day and it has only gotten worse.. I know I need to go to the doctor, but I don’t want to pay them to tell me to take ibuprofen and try not to use it, I’ve been doing that since the day it started!
Such symptoms can develop when a nerve in the elbow and wrist is compressed. Write down all your symptoms, what exactly triggers and relieves them and explain this to a doctor. You can expect the doctor will refer you to a neurologist or other specialist.
Hi sir,
Feel pain in both arms and neck back.
ECG OK
ECHO test OK
ETT test is minor not ok
Dr advice for angiography.
What can cause these symptoms to keep coming if my heart tests came back normal?
You can discuss with the doctor about a herniated disc or spinal stenosis in the neck.
I am 48 very active and a few months back started noticing pain in my left or right arm while sleeping. Thought that it might have been the way that I was lying on my shoulder so would adjust positions during the night. At times it is a deep throbbing pain that runs from my shoulder to my hand on one arm or the other or both. At times it is so bad I literally have to stand up shake my arms out to make it stop hurting. Arms all the way to my hands may be numb and tingly, or it may just be localized down one particular side to a finger.
Have been up and down tonight about every 30-45 minutes. Even tried sleeping in an upright position with my hands folded across my stomach, made no difference.
The compression of the nerves (brachial plexus) and arteries that run under the clavicles from the neck toward the arms can cause such pain, tingling and numbness. The condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome and can result from arm/shoulder overuse, especially with repeating overhead arm activities.
Sorry, J. Mordic, but ‘You can expect the doctor will refer you to a neurologist or other specialist.” I do not think so in today’s health care environment. They won’t do this unless the patient begs and throws a fit in two or three regular office visits, and after about $1000 to this regular doctor. People have health insurance, but no health care today. People/patients are NOT the customer!
It can be very helpful if you come to the doctor prepared and explain all the symptoms, their triggers and relievers in an organized way. A good doctor should then know what needs to be done and what not.
I am a very active 34 yr old, and i walk everywhere for i dont have a car and i am overweight which is why i walk. I was crossing a very long crosswalk and ran the last distant(about 6 feet) and i felt a really sharp pain in my right arm pit down to just below my right ribs and it hurts whenever i move. I talked to my doctor about and he just brushed me off about it and said it has to do with my weight. Do you have any advise.
Is the pain triggered by deep inhalation? Anyway, such pain can be due to a muscle strain, in which case it should improve in few days.
Hi, I am a 22 year old woman and I have pain from my right ear down my shoulder, arm, and into my right middle finger. Any ideas? I’ve been told by family it sounds like a pinched nerve. My chiropractor even took an X-ray to check on things and saw nothing, but I guess that wouldn’t show nerves. Any ideas? Found minor relief after a super hot shower and some icing, but as soon as ice/heat is off, it just returns.
The pain could be from a pinched nerve in the neck spine due to a herniated disc or due to spinal stenosis, for example. X-ray cannot show pinched nerves, but MRI can.
Hi! Mom of a 2 month old. Pain started in my shoulders (maybe from sleeping on my arms?) and has moved to both wrist and hands as well. Wrist sends a shocking sensation and finger tips are numb but painful at the same time. Help!
Such sensations and pain can be due to compression of the nerves, for example, in the cervical spine (a herniated disc), in the armpits (thoracic outlet syndrome) or wrists (carpal tunnel syndrome). You may want to see a neurologist. Try to avoid lifting the baby and heavy things as much as possible.
fell on my elbow ding cheerleading, it swelled up straight away and has been tender to touch. I’ve since then felt a tingling feeling through my whole fore arm and hand. its often stiff to move and still tender to touch. any suggestions?
The ulnar nerve could be damaged. I suggest you to visit a neurologist.
I am a 56 year old woman and I have severe pain in my right arm from my shoulder to my finger tips. I also have pins and needles, it feels like when you hit you funny bone, it is also starting In my left but not constant like my right side. I have also been having muscle cramps and I am dropping things constantly. I have strong pain medication but it doesn’t even touch the pain. Could it be my non Hodgkin lymphoma coming back. My last MRI did show a small tumor on my pancreas. Any ideas
It seems the pain can be neurological – caused by something pressing on the nerve near the spinal cord or in the armpit, for example. I strongly suggest you to get this checked, soon.
Hi. Sir I am 36 year old wean set strat left hand take back my head take up pain will in chest back under shoulder blade my hend finger Thai eyes will burn and pain I chakup my ECG bat ECG in normal doctor say gastric refulex and carvical spian pain is counties is their what happen me sir pleas help me some time full body will pain has like I have faver
You can ask a doctor to check your cervical spine for a herniated disc. If you have fever, you can ask for blood tests for common infections.
I have pain in my feet mostly the left one which makes me limp after sitting also pain in all my joints and heaviness in the chest. Any idea what this can be.
The pain in the foot and heaviness in the chest may or may not be connected. For heaviness in the chest you may want to see a doctor to check for a heart disease.
Having pain right shoulder down to my elbow and knee have OA in both knees, plan to have right arm also sore muscles what should I do plan on having injection in both knees. Can my OA cause this much pain. By the way also have had post 360 surgery on my back will I ever be able to go to doing something like not having pain. No pain medication has helped me ibuprofen 800 mg.only.,now I am told can’t take it anymore because of my kidneys..what can I take.
For arm pain you may first want to ask a doctor for a diagnosis.
Throbbing pain in upper left arm outer. Very sensitive to touch. 6 months now. Some days hardly feel the throbbing, others quite painful.
Can be a neurological or vascular problem. I STRONGLY suggest you to visit a doctor soon to avoid eventual permanent damage to an arm.
I’m a 50 year old woman. I can’t find a job due to my arm and shoulder pain. I have no health insurance due to not working. Raising my left arm up in the air hurts. I wake up in severe pain. I’ve been getting eat aches in my left ear too.. What can I do, I’m almost homeless..getting rid of everything.
There are doctors avalable who can make a physical examination for free. A doctor may be then able to say what is the original problem and suggest what you can do.
Hi I’m a 37 year old woman with ddd I’ve recently just started to get dull numbness and pain on my right top thigh. And down my left arm from shoulder to wrist also sharp and heavy pain across my chest. Please can anyone give me any idea of what can be causing this as it’s really getting me down in already in so much pain with my back I just want to find out what’s wrong and get it fixed thankyou.
Have you been lifting anything heavy lately?
Woke up with pain in shoulder and limited mobility in my arm. Hurts to lift up ,
Go to a doctor – it may be a neurological problem.
I am not at all sporty, had no injury but three months back I started having numbness jn my left arm to my fingers. Over this time the cobdition is so severe that I cannot lift my arm, cant wear clothes on my own and have constant pain strting from my bicep going to my fingers. Even with strong pain killers my arm stays heavy and cannot move above a certain point. Its a constant pain and a jerk results in excruciating pain.i am 38, female, over weight and diabetic . I know it has nothing to do with bones. Pls suggest what is it and what to do
It is possible that a pinched nerve is involved. I strongly suggest you to visit a doctor.
Hi! I have pain on my upper, outer arms to my elbows. It is on and off during the day but it is so bad a night. My neck is even hurting tonight. I had a stress test on my heart 6 months ago and it was good. Not sure if it is my heart or not.
If the pain is worse at night the problem may be in the neck (a herniated disc, for example).
I am a 40 year old man. For the last few months I have had a dull ache in my left arm. The pain radiates from my lower bicep upward to my shoulder. If I lift anything with my left arm, the pain increases greatly and goes back to the dull ache shortly after. I don’t really lift anything heavy repeatedly or play any sports that could’ve caused an injury. The pain is not bad, just annoying and the pain and weakness when I lift something makes simple tasks like lifting my 4 year old daughter difficult. Any idea what could be the cause?
I suggest you to visit your primary doctor who can evaluate if you need an examination by an orthopedist or neurologist. A simple muscle strain should not last for few months. A pinched nerve in the neck usually causes pain on the outer side of an upper arm, but there can be a problem with some other nerve that causes pain on the inner side.
I’m a woman, age 31. About 2 months ago I was taking a medication called Adderall. My chest started pounding really fast and arms became numb and heavy. It scared me so much that I stopped taking them. I also quit smoking. Symptoms pretty much went away. Now for the past week or so, I’ve been having SEVERAL symptoms. Started again with my chest feeling as if someone was squeezing it really hard and being short of breathe. If I lied on my back, it would get worse. My heart would feel as if it was beating extra pumps really hard rite out of my chest. This has came and gone in the past week but mainly stays. My arms feel heavy and sometimes I can’t even bare to type a message on my phone! I began having a lot of pain in my neck, arms, chest, and back. All this happens with or without rest. I feel nauseated. I knew something was wrong but have been scared to go to the doctor until yesterday… I felt like if I wait any longer, I may not have much longer.. the doc gave me a chest ex ray, ecg, and took my blood. I’ve only got the result from my ecg and he said it was normal. Still waiting on other results. The doctor told me that I did have a heart murmur and one of my arteries sounded louder or faster (he left before I could finish talking to him) he asked me if I would do a cats can and a home monitor, like a ecg, for 48 hours. I told him yes and he said he would set it up and someone would call me when it’s set up.. now lastnight when I was asleep, I awoke on my side and had excruciating pain on the arm I was lying on and couldnt move it (almost as if the blood couldn’t flow) I turned to the other side and went back to sleep and same thing happened to the other arm! I’m so scared that if I don’t get results quickly that my kids are going to be without a mommy! I can’t breathe and have no energy! Please… what’s someone’s input? Does this sound like heart disease? Also, I’ve been having trouble with my blood pressure and the bottom number being 100.
It seems to me that your doctor is taking your problems seriously, so you may want to wait for the results.
Twice today I have experienced sharp pain starting under my right armpit and running under my right breast towards my chest. This pain has lasted each time for about 3 minutes each time. I now feel a weakness in my right arm muscles.
Any ideas?
It may be nerve related. I suggest you to visit a doctor – a neurologist, maybe.
Hi…Today while I get my bed to sleep and I raise my hand I feel pain in my armpit…and I google it to know the reason and I find it says may be it could be breast cancer…I don’t know what it would be…and I have pain in my bone join and on my leg …is that common pain or else
Jalil, I suggest you get this checked by a doctor.
Hi. I’m having intermittent left arm odd pain that is deep, mostly inside arm, very fast. It happens every few or 5-10 min this morning. Slight left chest pain but I’ve had chostochondritis for years so usually ignore that. 54yrs female. Otherwise decent health. Thoughts?
This past month I’ve fleeting very very short moments of dizziness that last a second or so. Curious if I gave a blockage brewing.
Where exactly in the arm and chest is the pain?
Ive been having pain under my arm and around the top of the joint, which the doc gave me naproxenwhich hasnt worked, ive now developed pain in my wrist and fingers and numbness in my arm, any ideas
A doctor should do a physical examination – on the basis of few simple tests in the office he/she can narrow down the causes. Two possible causes (among many) are a herniated disc in the neck spine and thoracic outlet syndrome. An orthopedist or a neurologist can tell more.
I’m experiencing pain from my neck to my shoulder and all the way down my right arm into finger tips. The pain is non-stop constant pain and I haven’t slept a full night in weeks. The pain moves. Sometimes I feel bad pain under my armpit and my forearm with tingling in my hand and fingers and other times the pain is in my upper arm back of hand and fingers, or palm of hand and fingers. The pain moves around but I have it constantly from my shoulder to my fingers. Pain is worse at night right when I lay down and when I get up from laying down or if I sit for more than a few hours. X-Ray came back fine. Insurance refuses MRI and family Dr pushed me off on a Spine Specialist. Waiting for my appointment but in the meantime, nothing is working to alleviate pain.
Pain in the neck, shoulder and arm that becomes worse when lying down may be from the cervical spine, possibly from a herniated disc. You may want to experiment with different pillows in the way that your cervical spine will bend as little as possible.
An X-ray does not show herniated discs, but an MRI should.
I have aches in both my arms, elbows, and diffrent parts of my chest. I also experience some aches in my hands as well as my throat and lower jaw. I’ve had ecg (twice), blood work, and x-Ray done and everything came back normal but I have had some anxiety. What can cause these symptoms to keep coming if my heart tests came back normal?
Anxiety itself can cause such problems that can be quite similar to pain that comes from the heart.
I have a sharp pain on my upper left arm that feels like it is going around my left bicep like a band. It will radiate up to my shoulder. I have tried taking alleve and other OTC pain medicine but nothing seems to help. I thought I had slept wrong however it has been going on for over a week and a half and can’t seem to get any relief.
You may want to see a doctor.
I am on cardiac pacemaker for last 15 years l have fibrosis of lung on oxygen at night no DM cardiac status well monitored having pain in left forearm in the center which is severe but comes down on its own this occurs 3to4 times a day pain killers not effective kindly suggest treatment
How long does the pain in the forearm last when it occurs?
Hello, I have had a very sharp pain in my left upper arm, the joint. I can move the hand most times without feeling the pain.. and it sometimes makes me feel sick.
I don’t know where exactly is your pain.
I’ve had neck and shoulder pain for years now although certain exercises slightly relieve some shoulder pain temporarily. I was told I probably have fibromaialgia, I have post polio syndrome , bulging disc in neck and back, however, I jumped out of bed the other day and felt a painful jolt in my neck. I couldn’t turn my head to the left AT ALL for 2 days, then with ibufroffin and ice for 3 days , I was able to turn it a little, then heat for the next 3 days, a little more. I rested for all 6 days. I can now turn my head both ways but still have pain in back of neck down into my shoulders if I tilt my head backwards. Also jolts of sharp pain and not so good movement plus popping in left shoulder and pain in top side of left arm between shoulder and HALFWAY down to elbow. I used to have the shoulder pain for several year up until about a year ago. Now since the neck jolt it’s all back and can now feel it straining in right side in neck and below. Funny it started out in left side of neck and switched. What can I do to alieviate the pain and regain movement in shoulder?
I can just say what this sounds to me: The pain after jumping out of bed might be from wry wreck (torticollis). A combination of your symptoms in the neck back and shoulder, especially if aggravated by bending the neck backwards and relieved by certain exercises (maybe raising the arm above the shoulder level?) is strongly suggestive for a herniated disc in the neck. It’s a doctor, probably an orthopedist, who can give you a diagnosis.
I have dull radiating pain in my right hand. The pain is triggered by walking. This hand is also swollen most of the time. I have seen numerous doctors but no one seems to know what it is. MRI of the arm shows nothing. Please advise me.
I’m not sure if I can help here. The swelling was like actual increase of the diameter of your hand (or forearm?)? Any recent injury or infection? Lumps in the breasts or armpits?
Six months ago was hiking and a bug landed in my right arm and I swatted it with my left hand VERY quickly. Immediately my left arm below my shoulder hurt terribly. Six months later and I can still feel pain constantly. It is dull but def there. If I move my arm a certain way though the pain worsens.
On my left hand the 2 middle fingures where numb and tingly and then my arm started to hurt and then about 30mins. Later my head started hurting and I felt clamy. But I dont know what to think or do.
You may want to go to the doctor.
Jan, I have read through all your questions and answers. You gave some very excellent answers to all the questions. I enjoyed the pictures labeled 1-9 and I was able to find what my problem may be by looking at the pictures along with a description of the problem. Thank you for all the time and energy you spent on the research. I have been helped and I am sure you have helped many more. Thank you so much.
I appreciate.
I have pain in my left shoulder blade to my outer arm, my elbow and all the way to my uper hand my left part of the neck and part of the chest under my armpit. The pain is dull and it is constant somtimes more somtimes less. I have this pain since yesterday and even when i rest it wont go away. Im afraid becouse we have a family history of heart attack.
Heart-related pain (angina pectoris) lasts less than 5 minutes at a time. “Constant” pain in the arm does not likely arise from the heart. Any excessive exercise involved?
I get a sharp pain in my lower right deltoid, it’s seems to get triggered by heartburn. Any suggestions?
How old are you?
I’m 30, I do lift things for a living. I went to physiotherapy for it but nothing worked.
You may ask a doctor about a herniated disc in the neck.
OK, thanks Jan
I started out with pain in pain right hand in palm opposite my thumb, this has escalated over the last 3 months to numbness / pain in thumb , and next two fingers , my wrist also gets sharp jabbing pain , in the night when sleeping I get woken with throbbing pain shooting in lower fore arm , I also have shoulder pain . I can also feel weekness in my left wrist / hand .
Have had X-ray and ct scan of wrist to date that declares it is not carpel tunnel , now going for nerve testing.
Could you shed any light on what this could be and as to any recommendations as to what steps I could take to get tothe bottom of my pain .
The pain in the thumb index and middle finger is certainly typical for carpal tunnel syndrome. Pain in the wrist shooting up into the forearm also supports this. The pain in the shoulder could be from a herniated disc in the neck. Such pain in two spots (shoulder, wrist) is known as “double crush syndrome.” I’m not saying you have this, but it is possible.
You may be able to prevent wrist pain by avoiding bending the wrists at night, maybe by wearing wrist splints. Herniated disc in the neck can be detected by MRI.
My wife has sever pain in both arms and hands (pain & numbness / tingling when gripping anything) along with pains in her lower back and legs whenever she sits on the floor.
The pain is worse at night and when resting stopping her from sleeping.
She has also had a horsey cough which comes and goes, (lung cancer in her family)
She has been to the doctor who has made her a hospital appointment.
She has been waiting for over 3 months for the appointment.
We are worried it may be something worse than first thought.
Pain and numbness seem to be of neurological origin. If symptoms are significantly worsening you may try to speed up the appointment.
bad pain in both arms moving from one arm to the other bad headache pain killers no
good
You may want to visit a doctor.
I am having this pulsating discomforting kind of pain right above my elbow on the side of my left elbow. At times i feel it down in my middle finger. Its mild/moderate but tolerable. I also suffer from anxiety. It comes and goes like a contraction would. Been doing this for about 40 minutes now.
Use your best judgement and think if this needs any evaluation by a doctor.
I have numbness and severe pain in my left thumb which tracks up my arm the pain occurs when I move my hand outwards
It can be an inflamed tendon. An orthopedist should know.
Hi Jan, I’ve only just been getting this sharp shooting pain in my right top of arm, I havn’t slept for 2 days, I’ve not been lifting anything heavy, it’s just came on me, I’ve been taken ibroven but no luck with that, any ideas?
Violet, if you can’t relate the pain to any injury or excessive physical work, you can visit your primary doctor, who can judge if there is any pinched nerve involved, for example due to a herniated disc in the neck. An inflammation of the nerve (brachial neuritis) can also cause such pain.
I have several pain in my shoulder and down my right arm in my bysept to my elbow then all the way down to my hand it’s been like this going on 5 months can you please give me a hint on what it might be.
Nina, I don’t know. Such pain can originate from a herniated disc in the neck spine, but can’t really say. I strongly suggest you to visit a doctor in order to avoid eventual permanent damage to the nerves or muscles.
I have had upper left shoulder pain with burning sensation radiating down the outside of my left arm down to my left hand for months. Been to chiro and had several deep tissue massages with no relief. Was in a car wreck over a year ago and also may have pulled something helping my husband pull buckets of dirt out from under the house. The pain also radiates down the left side of my back.
Susan, I suggest you to visit an orthopedist. One possible cause is a herniated disc in the neck.
I get a sharp pain in my left wrist when I move my thumb when I wake up in the morning. the pain goes away after awhile but is back the next morning.
Michael, such pain can be a part of carpal tunnel syndrome, especially if you bend wrists during the sleep. Another possibility is DeQuervain’s tendonitis, which is an inflammation of the tendons that moves the thumb.
Sorry also I can’t clench my left hand without causing more pain in my elbow
If you did not have any obvious injury, it’s possible that one of the nerves is compressed at a certain point (in the wrist, elbow or neck). A doctor can say more after performing physical examination.
I have a pain that started at my elbow and eventually began travelling to my fingertips and only this morning began going up to my shoulder… it’s my left arm… as for my shoulder blade?(the back), I’m not sure if its related cause it’s my right one, it’s really sore, when lying down its hurts when I use my right arm or put heaps of pressure on it…
I have been having a dull “toothache like” pain in my right wrist, forearm, back of my arm and up into my shoulder and below my shoulder blade… I have taken ibuprofen around the clock and it doesn’t seem to be helping
Cindy, you may want to see a doctor.
I am having pain in upper back and outside of arm. Massage helps temporarily. Lifting arm hurts but has lessened. Dull pain is common; sharp pain when lifting.
Unsure if I need to see doctor. Also unsure if massage is good or bad.
Melissa, I do recommend you to see a doctor.
I’m having constant pain in both arms in the muscles from elbow to shoulder I cannot lift my arms above to shoulder height or behind my back I’m going to have scans and injections soon but I’m in so much pain
Jo, maybe it can help if you rest your arms as much as you can.
I am 28 years old, and I am suffering from an odd case of Sharp pain in both of my arms, all though in my right arm the pain that i experience only lasts a few minutes (it’s hard for me to move my entire arm out in front of me or above my head) but my left arm continues with the pain, from the time I wake up in the morning to the time I go to sleep. Sometimes the pain is too much that I am awoken out of my sleep. Just today 12/10/16 I am awoken from my sleep again at 2:10 a.m. with the sharp pain in my left arm and a tingle sensation in the right finger tips.
I’ve tried to place a heating pack or wrap around my arms to soothe the pain, but It only lasts a few minutes and then the pain comes back five times worst. At first I thought it was from the mattress I am currently sleeping on, but ive tried everything ever since for myself not to be in pain for that reason and still I am seriously stuck with this unbearable pain.
Carlas, the pain can be caused by a compression of the nerves, for example, under the clavicle. Such condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome. I by no mean can say what is the cause in your case, but your symptoms are severe enough to visit a doctor soon. If the pain appears only or mainly at night it’s probably triggered by your sleeping position.
Hi I am feling pain and numbness in left arm along with breastbone pain. Can u please suggest wht is it? My ecg and chest x rays are normal
Neha, what did the doctor suggest? Such feelings can originate from anxiousness, for example. I can’t exclude other possible causes, though.
Fhi have been experiencing tingling in my left hand that is followed with a dull achy feeling I’m myupper left arm then a heavy feeling in my shoulder. I am 49 years of age.q
Thanks
Yvette, such pain can arise from a herniated disc in the neck, for example, but a doctor can give a diagnosis after a physical examination.
Could you tell me what tingling elbow and moving red lines shouting down from the elbow is in a 84year old woman? Thankyou
Mrs Sharon, one cause of red lines going up to the elbow is an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels (lymphangitis), most commonly due to an infection somewhere lower in the forearm or hand (maybe due to a cut or insect bite). I strongly suggest to get this checked by a doctor, which may prescribe antibiotics.
Three Fridays ago, I woke up with left shoulder pain and pain in my neck. The pain goes all the way down my left arm. I also felt tension in my neck, like it was a nerve. My hand and wrist are swollen & I can’t stand for them to be touched. It hurts to move it. The pain is difficult to bear. I’ve been keeping my left arm in a sling. I can’t use my arm or hand and when I take it out of the sling, I can’t stand the pain. Went to the emergency room. They gave me a shot and some pain medicine & the soreness went away, and the swelling went down, but a week & a half later, it came back with a vengence. My primary care doctor referred me to an orthopedic who did blood work. The orthopedic said my arm nor my hand are broken. What should I do? What is happening to me? What’s causing these problems?
My daughter is typing this for me.
Betty, with “swelling” did you mean a real, visible swelling (puffiness and increased “volume” of the hand)? Possible causes of such swelling:
– blocked vein (and possibly pinched nerves), maybe in the clavicle area, which slows the drainage of the venous blood from the arm
– blocked lymph nodes in the armpit – you would possibly palpate a lump in the armpit
– a bite/cut in the hand that resulted in the infection of the underskin tissues
An orthopedist (or neurologist) can tell what it is. One possible cause to ask about is: “thoracic outlet syndrome.”
I have pain like bad circulation from my shoulder to my wrist throbbing. My index finger joint are sore and my whole hand is fingerling it’s so painfull
Carol, you better go and check this with a doctor as soon as possible. It can be an infection or a neurological issue, for example.
I am experiencing LA pain, sharp pains in my head that cause pressure behind my eyes then goes away, occasional RA pain that is either numbing or throbbing, sometimes i feel ice cold prickly feeling up/down my LA like ice water is being drizzled on it. I sleep on my back and my chest feels very very heavy but when I sleep propped up I’m fine. I also deal with pains in the cent er of my chest that when I rub it my chest hurts but no SOB, dizziness or fatigue and sometimes I have pain between my shoulder blades that feels like when your foot falls asleep and the feeling starts to comeback with little burning. I take HCTZ 25mg and one 81mg baby ASA dai;y, have had and echo, CT and chest x-rays along with a stress test and the only thing I have been diagnosed with moderately elevated BP and LV mitral valve regurgitation, my dr mentioned angina but the other symptoms have me concerned.
I have a red line going from wrist up to my armpit. Right side. Achy. Feeling bruised. Started yesturday. I took my child to a play place. I have RA. Am i just having a flair up?
Clare, a red line going from the wrist to the armpit may be from an inflammation of the lymphatic vessels due to an infection somewhere in the wrist/hand area, from a cut or an insect bite.
I a pain in both arms breasts are swelling what is this
Jennifer, I can’t tell…Swollen breasts may be due to inflammation or blocked lymph nodes in the armpits, for example. I strongly recommend you to visit a doctor.
I am having sharp arm should back pain bad head aches pain in my neck hard to turn.. seen seven doctors all say different stories I am frustrated I also get pin poking down my back and both arms it almost feels as if I need to pop my neck but this has gotten worse over the last six months I was in a bad car accident in 1993 hit head on I have had injections in my shoulder and they work for a little while but don’t last I’m desperate frustrated
mihle, I’m ot sure if I can tell more than 7 doctors.
I have pain, tingling, numbness in both hands on my finger tips, they hurt when I use Ipad or Iphone. My hand also throb as well as pain in my left are and under my right rib.
Doreen, you may want to see a doctor. I’m not sure if I can provide any other helpful tips.
I have pain from my left arm to fingers,left hip,left thigh to toes
Neel, such pain could be from herniated discs in the cervical and lumbar spine; not sure if this could be in your case.
I am a 41 year old male , recently I have started to have sharp pain on my inside upper left arm that happens sometimes.
What could it be?
Sibusiso, too little details to comment. Sharp pain on the inside of the arm could be from serratus anterior muscle (read above in the article), nerve entapment or angina pectoris, to name few causes.
Sir my mother is feeling pain in right arm at night times that is it starts from evening.previously we performed some tests to her generally before having this pain.we are informed that she is having bp and she was asked to perform angiogram having doubt of kidney and heart slightly in safe side mostly.can u plzz tell me the reason.my mother is a house wife and she says she has this pain when she washes clothing on the day she has pain in shoulder.plzz replyyy
R swarna Latha, pain travels down the outer (?) side of the arm can be caused by a herniated disc in the neck part of the spine. But a doctor, preferably an orthopedist, can examine her and tell what it is.
At times I feel mild pain in the inside of left arm and armpit I also sometimes feel a thin line like pain in my left breast . Looks like muscle or I don’t know. It is not continuous but I do feel it . What could be the reason.
Sanyogita, I’m not sure. You can check the article about armpit pain. You may want to ask a doctor to check the lymph nodes in your armpits.
My friend is having pain in right axilla,shoulder ,slightly right side of the neck area and radiating type pain to right elbow since one week ..some times she is getting numbness to the fingers also…she is really worried with these all symptoms…what can be the reason ?
Tintu, it could be a neurological problem, such as compression of the brachial plexus (thoracic outlet syndrome), for example, but I can’t say what exactly it is. I strongly suggest her to visit a doctor.
I had neck fusion in 2010 now now I’m having pain in my right collarbone and in my hand numbness and now it’s someone shake my hand by the pain is unbearable some pain in my shoulder but not like it is in my collarbone can someone help me with this please thank you.
Shirley, please go and check this with a doctor. It may be a problem in the neck spine again, but since you’ve mentioned collar bone, it could be also a compression of the brachial plexus (thoracic outlet syndrome). I can’t say what it is, but early diagnosis and treatment can have better outcome.
im 27 and I have been having pain from my left jaw under breast to my arm and at times it sometimes gets numb it happens a lot when im tired or stressed.
I went to see a doctor and he said I could be having heart attacts I should go and see a specialist….is it really possible that it could be im having heart attacks at my Age?? ….pls help
siphokazi, while heart attacks are rare at 27, I can’t exclude anything. There are also other heart conditions (certain heart valve disorders, etc.) that can cause such pain. Such distribution of pain (left side of the chest and jaw and left arm) is typical for heart problems but also for “heart anxiety neurosis” or “cardiac neurosis,” related to stress. I also think it may be a good idea if you see a cardiologist who can tell if your pain is from organic causes or not.
I feel a bit of pain near the elbow region but don’t it’s an elbow pain as feels more like a muscle pain and weakness. I also feel my last finger is not as strong as before and occasionally I get short cramps in some of fingers. I am right handed and play quite a bit of tennis. However the pain and muscle weakness are in my left arm. I have no shoulder , back or chest pain .
Robin, do you occasionally use your left arm at tennis? You may have a tennis elbow – which is inflammation of the muscle tendons in the upper outer part of the forearm. This or some other cause may press on the ulnar nerve, which can result in weakness and cramps in the little and ring finger. You may want to give your left arm some rest and avoid leaning on your elbows or visit a doctor.
I’m 57 y/0 female. I have severe burning electric shock pain and stabbing about 3 inches up on left elbow on the back of my arm near tricep area.
Lori, this could be a compression of a nerve. A doctor can give you a diagnosis.
I have pain in my right lower arm that started suddenly on Saturday night (today is Fri) – I am pretty tensed about some arguments at home. Yes, I had started lifting weights on Thurs and Sat morning. The pain is terrible – it is in my lower arm near my elbow and the muscles feel tight. The pain is also towards my wrist where some redness has developed. My fingers have a tingling feeling and my arm and fingers feel weak. I unable to bend my wrist and fingers as much I am able to do with my left hand or as much I was able to do earlier. Please advise.
Sam B, it could be inflammation of the tendons near the elbows and wrists. You need to rest your arms as much as possible. If it affects your daily life, you may want to visit a doctor.
I am a 65 year old female with a 13 year old self-diagnosed right shoulder tear which healed within one year without surgery but left residual weakness, necessitating adjustment of arm lifting positions. In the last six months, I have developed almost daily achy pain in my right forearm, halfway between my wrist and elbow. If my thumb is pointing up, the pain is on the inner top of the arm, about a 2″ long area. It does not seem to correlate to doing physical things, such as weedeating or painting. I work in a office and do a lot of computer keyboard and mouse work. I feel like it might be tendonitis of some sort but don’t know even what kind of doctor I should go to for help.
Gloria, it is an orthopedist who can give you an exact diagnosis. An orthopedist can decide to use MRI or arthroscopy or ultrasound to get more details. You may also want to look in your medical documentation to see which exact shoulder muscle was torn (supraspinatus, infraspinatus…). If the tear has not healed properly, you can ask an orthopedist if an arthroscopic repair or surgery would help.
The pain in the forearm can result from shoulder muscle tear that affects the position of the biceps tendon, from leaning on your elbows on the desk or as part of carpal tunnel syndrome.
I feel weak and I have this dull pain on my right side on my back right under that shoulder bone.
Irene, if you feel weak in general, you may want to visit a doctor.
My problems started with throbbing pain and swelling in my right calf muscle. Then the swelling left but pain remained. Then the top of my left foot became painful, not the bottom. PF was ruled out. Then I got the same throbbing in my left calf and within a week of that behind both of my thighs. That was soon followed by pain in my groin which led to a few episodes of an intense burning pain in my back on my right side. Which finally has now spread to throbbing in both biceps. My whole life is upside down and I can’t get any help. I need help as I feel something absolutely terrible is very near.
Micky, a doctor can say is there any actual swelling or you have a feeling of swelling from some other cause. Swelling in the legs and groin can be due to a blockage of the veins or lymphatic vessels in the pelvis, for example.
Hi,i woke up 2 weeks ago with a pain in the neck,it continued that I took pain relief and it subsided a little
The pain persist and run down through my right hand(under my armpit precisely). Now I feel pain like vein pain on my left palm.am worried please help
Queen, to get a diagnosis, a doctor would need to check this. It could be a problem with the blood vessels or nerves or both. One of the possible causes is a compression of the brachial plexus under the clavicle (thoracic outlet syndrome).
I’ve gotten a stress test, and Esco gram, which came back abnormal. I’ve been referred to a chorologist. 2 years ago I injured my upper left arm and shoulder on the job. Could my chest pain and heart developed from the injuries or related
Yulanda, pain in the left shoulder can be from shoulder injury or from a heart condition. The pain caused by an injury can be triggered by shoulder movements, while the pain caused by a heart disease is not triggered by shoulder movements.
I am 27, female. I woke up in the middle of the night with pain in my inner wrist, inner forearm, inner elbow, and inner upper arm going into under arm, and backs of knees. It happened two nights in a row so far to the point of pain that I could not hardly walk to the bathroom, the pain in my arms and wrists made it nearly impossible to unbutton my jeans and pull my pants up or down. During the day both days it fades to dull ache pain (right now it is uncomfortable to type and move my arms or bend at the knees. At night it starts to feel worse. By 3 am I am in extreme pain. I cannot even let my inner arms touch anything. I took Alieve pm last night, I was uncomfortable but not in extreme pain like the past two nights. I took Alieve as soon as I woke up and again still the dull ache pains esp with movement. Any ideas what this could be? I didn’t hurt myself or do anything to make this happen. It just randomly started Friday night then Saturday night, then last night. It is now Monday morning. I feel the dull ache now in my shoulder blades up the back and sides of my neck a little. I don’t have insurance or any money to see a doctor I am a single mom to two kids with no help. Anything would be helpful.
Cassondra, I suggest you to try to arrange with some medical professional, orthopedist or physiotherapist…Such pain can occur, for example, when the nerves of the brachial plexus, that innervate an arm, get trapped below the clavicle. Try to avoid any arm movements that provoke the pain. I have too little info to give any other practical suggestion. If the pain is “extreme” you can go to emergency room and be sure to ask what they think is your exact diagnosis.
Hi there
I am a 32 year old female. I work in an office doing call centre customer service and have done computer work for the last 16 years. I’ve been dealing with pain in my upper, right back that I also feel in the front of my chest (above the breast) and base of my neck. The pain/tenderness can sometimes be felt in my armpit and bicep and down to my forearm. My wrist hurts around, and often the base of my thumb. Sometimes the rest of my fingers ache or burn…like a sharp shooting burn, like electric shocks. Sometimes it feels like from my chest down to my fingers are dying. It can be painful to breathe deeply or find a comfortable position. My shoulder pops constantly, and I have dislocated it a few times in my youth. My wrist also pops a lot, and along with my shoulder, feels “loose”, like it’s always shifting out of the groove it should be in. It often feels like my right fingers are stiff and swollen, but they don’t look significantly swollen. My right had especially is always cold. I get discolouration (just like Raynaud’s), pain and frostbite easily. Typing and mousing are torture. I have always been pretty double-jointed especially in my hands. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia back in 2008, but was able to manage for quite some time with regard to work and function. But in 2015, an RSI from bad workplace ergonomics was the proverbial straw that broke my back, and I have been struggling to control the pain and find a way to be able to recover and start using a computer again. I’m starting to think that I may never figure this out.
Dior, it is possible you have fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome, but the majority of the symptoms you’ve described probably arise from a bunch of nerves called brachial plexus. The condition is called thoracic outlet syndrome. I strongly suggest you to get an appointment with a neurologist soon. The more you wait the more damage to the nerves you can get.
I have lots of pain in both hands and figers berning num and sooting pain up both armes below. Elbow. Night and day now for 2month i even cry with this. Throbbing. As well
Tammyfruge, one possible cause is carpal tunnel syndrome (from wrist overuse?). Your primary doctor should be able to guide you further.
Hello! I’ve had pain in my upper back and right shoulder for a week now. The pain is localized to a spot at my spine and in and around my shoulder blade , now also includes soreness at the top of my shoulder and my armpit. I woke up this morning to my pinky and ring finger of my right hand numb, and painful sensations in he rest of my hand as well as at a spot on the outside of my elbow. I’ve already begun treatment for a herniated disk in my lower back that has caused nerve pain in my lower back and down my right hip. I am afraid I herniated a disk in my upper back now. I am in agony, please help give me an idea as to what could be happening… 🙂
Bethanie, having a herniated disc in the lower back increases the risk of a herniated disc in the neck. What you’ve described can happen in herniated disc, but you may want to get this checked with a doctor.
I’ve been having heaviness in my chest and aching in my left armpit and and my joints ache on my left hand. I haven’t lifted anything the last couple of days and was fine yesterday. And no matter which way I lay down it still aches (dull ache but constant). I’m at the end of my cycle if that helps at all.
Erin, I don’t have a clue. You are probably too young to have a heart disease. Aching in the armpit is usually from enlarged lymph nodes due to an infection.
Hi.. I am having this pain for mths now.. Its started on my left arm.. Pain n numbness feeling and tingling frm shoulder till end of my 2 small fingers. MRI for neck done and Emg scan for nerve done too.. All shown normal but the confuse part.. I still having the pain, numbness getting worsen and now its getting on my left lower leg till the sides small toes.. What exactly i am disgnosed off.. Really confuse.. Pls help.
Pain start right 4 inches below armpit and moves upward and around to the right elbow. I’d this serious ?
Albert, if you think it’s exercise-related, it may be a stretched muscle. Too little info to comment more.
I am having an ache in the inside vein of my right arm, i do have a shoulder injury would it be to do with that or what you think.
Rosalie, you may want to show this to a doctor. A vein on the inside of the arm can be actually an inflamed lymphatic vessel (due to an infection, possibly associated with the injury).
O wake up 3 to 5 times a week with terrible pain in my mainly right armpit that runs down to finger but fingers feel really tight and tinhle terribly to where it takes them 30 minite to be able too work
.
Stephanie, such pain can occur in nerve compression. You may want to visit an orthopedist or neurologist.
Hi,
I am 23 year old male. One year before i washed many cloths, and after half an hour my left arm and then slowly right arm had sever pain. The pain reached to my chest. Dr. gave an injection and it was OK after few hours.
But now if i lift any thing or do more work with hands then it starts paining. If i relax it then the pain reduces.
Can you please suggest me on this or any medicines to be taken. Please help me out on this.
Regards,
Abdulrashid
Abdulrashid, it is possible that you have “trapped nerve” in the wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome) or near the clavicle (thoracic outlet syndrome). I don’t have any helpful advice other than go and visit a neurologist, who can make a proper diagnosis on the first place.
My symptoms started a bout a month and a half ago with burning and a sharp stabbing pain in my elbow, the stabbing in elbow has stopped and now the burning pain goes from my back between my shoulder blades to my shoulder and all the way down the underside of my arm and and the upper part of for arm and I have a tingling feeling that goes across the top part of my hand and down the top of my middle finger. I had carpal tunel surgery about 4 years ago because the pain got so dad and my fingers where going numb have done good since then, I also have bone spurs in my shoulder they found back then but refused to have surgery, I don’t feel like the pain I’m having now is from my carpel tunnel again, but don’t know if it’s coming from my shoulder or possibly my back, I’ve been reading a lot about people with herniated disc in there neck and some of the symptoms they have are what I have, just wondering if anyone has had the symptoms I’m having and what was wrong, I’ve been taking steroids for three days now and they don’t seem to be doing much I have two weeks before I go to see a orthepidic doc
Julie, seeing an orthopedic is probably a good thing to do. My first thought was a herniated disc in the neck spine.
I am having pain that goes from my shoulders through my elbows and down to both hands. My right side hurts worse but there is significant pain on both sides. It hurts mostly in my ring fingers but my hands hurt all over more than anything else. My skin on my outer forearms is tender to the touch. My hands are week and sometimes feel shaky. I usually don’t feel it at night or in the mornings but it progressively gets worse as I move toward lunch and into the late afternoon.
Josh, to me, this sounds as a neurological problem, possibly arising from the spine (a pinched nerve), for example. I suggest you to visit a neurologist.
I’ve had pains and pins and needles in the left side of my chest and inner arm, they were consistent at first now it just comes and goes mainly at night, It’s sometime accompanied by pain under the right rib cage, headache and nausea also sore left shoulder blade, been to the doctors twice, first time I was told it was shingles then I was told it’s nerve damage but nothing seems to relief the symptoms and the pain seems to get worse then better
Shianne,
I can’t really say much, because it is some context missing – was it sudden or gradual start, how long it now lasts, can you relate it to physical activity, did you have any injury…?
The pain distribution as you described it (left shoulder blade, left side of chest, inside of the upper arm) can occur in serratus anterior muscle overuse due to lifting heavy objects with extended arms or during activities with a lot of arm swinging, such as running. Such pain can be triggered by deep inhaling and can be affected by the body position.
I can’t really exclude anything, for example, heart-related pain. Shingles is usually (not always) accompanied by severe tenderness and rash that runs around the trunk on one side.
I have got a burning feeling down both my fore arms and find it really hard to pick up my cat as the pain is just so intense that I just cant lift them to my knee. My current job is at a meat works in a near by town even the driving to and from town is something that I’m avoiding as the vibrations of the road get to me and I have to stop for a brake .In my job I am moving caress down a number of rails and that when they a greased its not too bad but the rails are in much need of a greasing and pushing them is really tough on the hands. Another side issue is that I forgetting to remember things both at work and at home too.
At this stage I’m weighing up weather to hand my notice in or go on sick leave
Doug, you will know if you need rest or not. You might want ask a doctor to give you exact diagnosis: is it carpal tunnel syndrome, overuse of muscle tendons near the elbow or something else.
I’m having a consistent upper right hand pain, which sometimes move to my lower hand to the fingers. sometimes my eyes will just be blurry. I went to my physician who said that might be caused by nerve. he gave me medication/tablets but the pain is continuing to be strong. at night i cant sleep . please help.
Adelaide, if your doctor does not know exactly what is wrong, you can ask him to arrange you an appointment with a neurologist.
My left hand falls asleep while I’m sleeping, recently, and not due to position or laying on hand. I also have pain in fingers, wrist by the thumb, left shoulder , both sides of jaw, inside crevice of left foot. This all came on suddenly, about 5 weeks ago. I’ve been to multiple doctors and I keep getting the “I’m not sure” response. I’ve had a chest x-ray but no one seems to send me for mri or CT scan and I’m not pushing back on the doc much. Any help would be appreciated?
Concerned, it may help, if you can make a detailed description of your pains in the time manner, triggers, relievers (position, movements…), suspected physical causes and which conditions were excluded by the doctors so far.
I have the exact pain you show for neck and arm pain with herniated disc I in neck. What I am wondering is why do I get the pain and tingling in arms and hands at times while urinating.
Sharon, changing the position can aggravate pain from a herniated disc in the neck. I can’t say if you have this or not, but we have an article about it.
I am a 20year old female. I have a dull ache in my upper left arm mainly situated on top of the arm. It tends to go away when I sleep, but starts again when I wake up. I’ve had an EKG and Exercise ECG that came back clear. What can be causing this?
Nicky, you may want to see an orthopedist. The problem may be in the shoulder or it can be a pinched nerve in the neck spine, for example.
When I wake up in the middle of the night and move I experience pain in the chest (nipples), that radiate down my arms and now to the inside of my wrist. It takes about 2 minutes for the pain to go away.
Diane, I’m not too sure if I’ve heard about this specific pain distribution. Could it be anxiety? If you are over 50, it might be angina pectoris (heart-related chest pain – pain behind the breastbone that radiates down the inside of one or both arms). Cyclic breast pain occurs near menstruation…
I have been having severe hand, arm, elbow and shoulder pain for months now. It started in my wrist and doctors thought it was carpal tunnel syndrome and the wrist pain is gone now with wearing braces at night. But the other pain has been progressively getting worse please help if you may know what this may be. I don’t sleep much anymore because of the enormous amount of pain I am in.
Rebecca, wrist pain relief after wearing braces suggest that you might actually had/have carpal tunnel syndrome. The pain in the elbow and shoulder might be from cervical radiculopathy (a pinched spinal nerve due to a herniated disc in the neck). Cervical radiculopathy may worsen a pre-existing carpal tunnel syndrome – the condition is called double crush syndrome (a nerve being pinched on 2 sites: in the neck and in the wrist).
You have specifically said your pain is in the shoulder and elbow, so this may come from some sort of arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis came to my mind but this is usually symmetrical).
In short: I don’t know. I strongly suggest you to get this examined further – you may want to see a neurologist.
I have what I can only describe as a dead arm starting in my shoulder and pogoing down to my fingers. I thought it was just a trapped nerve but it has been several months and the pain is getting worse, any ideas what it could be
Phill, a nerve can be trapped in the spine or where it travels under the clavicle, for example. I strongly recommend you to visit a neurologist soon, because a long-term nerve entrapment may cause a persistent nerve damage.
Hello I’ve been having pain and numbness on my right side arms and legs….then I’ll have sharp pains shoot thru my back on both sides…also my left arm goes to hurting as well…slight chest pain caused by acid reflux….can u please give me an advice
Denise, you may want to check this with a neurologist.
I have frequently a sharp fleeting pain (fells like a vertical nerve or artery) vertical to my spine and side of my body more to my back internally. Right side. I also have frequent right shoulder, arm, hand pain usually when I am at rest. I have arthritic bursitis that only sharp pains me when I move my arm quickly or out of normal position. I am mildly ambedextrus (spelling) so is this possible heart symtoms?
Sandra, I can’t exclude anything but heart-related pain is usually worse during exercise and is relieved by rest. It sounds more like a nerve or muscle pain, but a doctor can tell.
I am 33 years old and had red degenerating fibroids in pregnancy which caused severe pain.Myomectomy was done in 2014..Also had an excision biopsy of a breast lump when I was 20 years old.I also experience cyclic breasts pain.I have persistant pains on my shoulders and upper arms…this pain radiates from bilateral sides of the neck to the shoulders and the scapula is very painful on palpation.On palpation,I feel intrinsic pain on my lower back which radiates from the coccxy regjon spreading to the buttocks.There is severe pain along the thighs and this pain is so deep felt on palpation upto the lower limbs.Now the pain is worsening such that I now feel headaches each night.I tried NSAIDS and deep heat on massaging with no effect.May you assist.Thank you
Sarah, the pain that goes from the neck to the shoulders and from the coccyx to the buttocks can appear, for example in pinched spinal nerves in the neck and lumbar spine. Herniated discs and rheumatoid arthritis are two possible causes. Herniated disc along with tests is described in this article.
I’m a 47 year old and this pain started 2 days ago, the pain feels like a terrible bruise but I don’t have any discoloration its started on my left arm inner bit, when I touch it hurts, like bruised. then I have same feeling on top of my left hand (the skin).
had bit stress lately !! it lasted 2 days and now its gone , just curious.
Lala, I don’t know, but it could be from a small cut or insect bite in the hand and the infection traveled along the lymphatic vessels up to the armpit.
About twice a month or every two to three months I get this terrible pain out of no where that comes in both my arms at the same time with this light burning sensation in between my breast.some times I have them back to back..it last about a minute or two..
Annie, this sounds very much like heart-related chest pain (angina pectoris) to me. In women, heart pain often radiates into both arms and into the upper back. I strongly recommend you to get this checked with your doctor. A primary doctor may find nothing special during listening your heart, but should know to guide you further. I am not claiming the pain is from the heart, but it could be; it could be also a neurological issue, but a doctor should know better.
Sudden pain in lower right arm when stretching and twisting or sometimes when relaxed
Michelle, if you think it’s not from muscles overuse, than it can be from a compression of one of the nerves that innervate the arm (for example, brachial plexus – check thoracic outlet syndrome above in he article).
Iam suffering from acidity since long. Now a days sometimes pinching pain starts in left side chest, neck, shoulder, left arm to back side of leg. At several such occasion ECG came normal. BP is almost every time 150/100. Pls suggest about this symptoms and guide.
Rakesh, the pain in the shoulder, arm and back of the leg may arise from the spine. You may want to visit your primary doctor or an orthopedist.
I have been having pain in my right arm like somebody has a rubber band around it cutting the circulation off. Pain numbness tingling hand numb and cold. Please help been going on about a month now can’t stand it anymore. And I’m only 39 yrs old
My pain started 3 days ago with constant pain in my upper left shoulder blade. Within a day or so, the pain has spread down my left outside arm, all the way to my elbow. It doesn’t matter what position I am in, the pain does not subside. I have also noticed several small whelps in my upper left shoulder blade that slightly itch. Help!
Valerie, one possibility is shingles, but can be something other. I strongly suggest you to check it with a doctor.
I am 27 years old female, my employment requires lifting, pulling, and pushing heavy stacks of bread products. My pain is in my shoulders all the way across up to the kneck and in between shoulder blades along with tight buldging knots, constant numbness and tingling with needle like paind in both arms and hands the pain runs down my outer arm, it doesnt matter which way i sit or lay its constant numbness and tingling from the top arms and down to finger tips which evens wakes me from sleeping. Thoughts please?
Samantha, the symptoms you’ve described can occur in a herniated disc in the neck and myofascial pain syndrome. You may want to see an orthopedist.
The inside of my left elbow is sore and it hurts worse when I left anything. My right and left hand starts to feel a little numb sometimes, mostly when laying down. MY neck is stiff and sore. Hurts to turn it from side to side. My shoulders have been sore and tight. Yesterday I had pain shooting all through my back, making it difficult to barely move. Having trouble sleeping because of my neck, I can’t get comfortable.
I should also mention i am 44 years old and slightly over weight. I have always had lower back pain and severe heart burn. I have never been treated for either one. I take OTC pills to treat heartburn, and for the most part, they work. All of this just started about a weak ago, after I worked 20 hour shift performing drywall duties.
Jeniffer, the pains in the neck and shoulder and tingling in the hand, worse at night may arise from your cervical spine, for example due to a herniated disc. You may want to see a doctor to get proper diagnosis.
I started getting pain in my right elbow a little over a year ago. Shortly after the same pain in my left. I can only explain the pain like a dull/sharp deep intense pain that spreads up and down my arm and off and on burning or tingling. Was first diagnosed with tennis elbow but xray and mri show nothing. Ive been through a steroid shot, physical therapy and recently an emg and nerve conduction test. I just want to find out what it is and how to get the pain to stop.
Felicia, to have a tennis elbow, you need some repeated physical trigger…Tingling and burning suggest nerve involvement. First you need an exact diagnosis, probably by an orthopedist or neurologist – they can then suggest appropriate treatment.
I was lifting a 20 pack of coke into my trunk 4 days ago. All of a sudden my elbow started hurting to the point where I was unable to do certain tasks. The next day I went to the doctor. He prescribed some medication that I have never heard of. 1 is for pain & the other is an anti-inflammatory. After taking these, I now experience not only my whole arm hurting but pain is in my jaw, chest & ear. I don’t have another $50.00 for a co-pay that they say I need again. Wondering what can I do? The pain is so excruciating that I cry uncontrollably.
Rhonda, to me it sounds serious enough you can go to ER.
For the past 3-4 weeks I’ve been having issues with my left arm. It started with mild pain from my elbow to my wrist, then bruising in the back of my upper arm, now the bruising has mostly gone but I still have pain in my inner elbow down my lower arm and in the top of my hand/wrist. Also I have noticed swelling in the past couple days, inner elbow and top of hand. It’s painful to extend my arm.
I have seen three doctors who have suggested a sprained wrist, damaged muscle and blood clots. I’ve had an ultrasound on the veins (not arteries) in my arm and they’ve come back clear. Any ideas what this might be? Ive not had any I juries and doubt I have overworked the muscles.
Jean, few other possibilities:
— thoracic outlet syndrome
— other problems with arteries, veins or lymphatic vessels
— a scratch or cut or insect bite in the hand/arm
— an infection of one of bones in the arm (osteomyelitis)
…
i am a 56 year old male I have pain in my left shoulder down to the left elbow it clicks when i lift up the arm, when i walk fast or run the pain goes up the side of my neck and then i experience the same pain in my right arm down to the elbow
Gerhard, if this clicking is something new, it may arise from the shoulder joint or rotator cuff tendons. Pain due to a herniated disc in the neck is often relieved by lifting an arm and is not associated with clicking, but I can’t exclude anything.
I have pain on inside upper left arm. Many times my left hand tingles and aches depending on position my hand is in, for example driving my left hand becomes painful and tingly so I have to lower it to get the tingling to go away. This has been happening for at least 6 months. It aches so bad at night it wakes me up. I have to constantly change positions due to numbness and pain in my left arm and hand. I think I also may have carpel tunnel on the left side because of pain in my wrist that makes my thumb through ring finger numb and tingly, but never the pinky. This happens many times when I am in the shower. Other notes…I have fusion L3 – L4 but think this is unrelated. High blood pressure and pre-diabetic as well.
Christy, pain on the inside of the upper arm that is affected by the arm position could possibly be from the pinched nerves, for example, due to thoracic outlet syndrome. I cannot by any means say if you have this, but I strongly suggest you to get this checked by an orthopedist or neurologist.
The pain in the wrist may be related to upper arm pain or could be from the carpal tunnel.
A nerve pinched at the L4-L5 level can cause pain in the lower part of the body, not in the arm.
What a wonderful website! I have cubital tunnel syndrome. No pain, but a numbness. I prefer to avoid surgery, what other options are available to cure this type syndrome?
Donna, I’m not aware of other treatment options for chronic cubital tunnel syndrome. In acute syndrome, pain should resolve with avoiding triggers, such as leaning your elbows on the desk.
I have severe pain in my right fore arm, sometimes in the outer bones of my elbow. It also radiates up into my shoulder and shoulder blade. I wear a 75 mg fenatyl patch for cronic pain due to adhesions and the pain in my fore arm is still debilitating.
I hurt between my shoulder blades, up my neck, across the top of shoulders, down to my finger tips. My thumb on my right hands is very painful to use and my left hand locks up, hurts, burns, and tingles. In the morning I can bearly open my hands. I have to put them under hot water and stretch my fingers/hand open and shut all day long. If I do an activity like sweeping my arms, back, neck hurt plus my face turns really red, shortness of breath, very sick to my stomach. I mean losing my cookies. I have weakness in my hands which make me drop things a lot. When I am in pain, hurting really bad my veins are large and pop up thru my skin and are VERY blue. It kinda looks like I have Varicose veins in my arms. I put Asopercreme with Lidocaine and just lidocaine by it’s self. I hurt during the night. My arm wakes me up and I have to stretch my hand for a couple of minutes. It burns, aches and etc. When I use a massage machine on my back to try and losen up my muscles to stop the pain. The muscles in the area I massaged are VERY sore and hurt to move them for a while. The muscles even swell for a couple of days afterwards. What is wrong with my body…..help please.
Kathy, please go to a doctor or even to an emergency room as soon as possible – I can’t make any more helpful comment.
I am a 68 year old woman with severe pain in both of my shoulders I can not lift a gallon of milk we buy 1/2 gallons if I lift a gallon of water to water my animals I receive a very large pain and numb in my arm that in a few days my whole shoulder to my elbow will be black ….why dose this happen it’s so painful
Paula, if the pain is limited to your shoulders, you may want to read this to get more ideas about the possible causes.
For the last two hours I have been having intermittent shooting pains that run from my left armpit to my wrist. It is also causing tingling in my pinky and ring finger. Any idea what this is?
Carrie, it could be a compression of the brachial plexus, for example, but this is just one possible cause. If it continues, I suggest you to see a doctor.
I have pain starting from shoulder and going to wrist. I also have the same pain which starts from hip and goes into foot. Not hi relieves the pain. It feels like I haven’t the strength to lift my arms when it happens. There’s no pattern to when this occurs. its could last a few hours or weeks. Any ideas please. I feel like doctors think I’m imagining it because by the time I get an appointment the pain could be gone.
Emer I would need to know more circumstances and pain characteristics to comment this.
I am a 55 year female that has had TOS surgery only to find out I didn’t have the syndrome. 4 days after the surgery the pain was back 10 times worst. My left swells and hardens and elbows sweells at the bend of the elbow wrist and hand and fingers has servere pain as well. My arm becomes very lumpy under the skin. Since having this problem I have a blood clot in my fore arm and behind my eye and I am now having serious problems breathing i have been to nuologist, hemo, vain dr., nurosurgen, rumotologist and no one can give me an answer. I also have pain on the same side in my uper back and a small lump at the top of my left shoulder. The pain is now moving to my left side I hope you can PLEASE HEIP ME BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE FOR ME, I AM NOW IN MY 6TH YEAR
Lisa, if the problems became worse after surgery, it is your surgeon who should you speak with.
I am a 18 year old girl with sharp spontaneous pain that occur on my left chin, left breast and left wrist. This has occured for about three to four years. I have spoken to my doctor about it and he said that the three location are not related. The pain lasts for about 20-30 seconds and is quickly gone without any remaining residual pain. Hope somebody can help me
Mals, I don’t know, such pain could maybe occur due to increased muscle tension (myofascial pain syndrome) or emotional stress. I’m not sure if it can be from a neurological cause. If you believe it is an organic pain, you may want to speak with a neurologist.
Dull ache down left arm mostly at night and fingers claw in pain and have to pry open.
Sheila, if the pain starts in the upper arm, it could arise from the spine (herniated disc?) or brachial plexus, for example. I strongly suggest you to visit a neurologist.
I have pain under let armpit then goes out to the front then down side of breast and inside arm area around the back of arm that leads to under arm area and neck pain also that travels down inbetween left shoulder blade. Its a mixture of tight sharp dull ache burning sensation stabbing irritating.
Leha, an orthopedist who can perform a physical examination can determine the cause of your pain. Few possible causes that came to my mind:
– myofascial pain syndrome
– thoracic outlet syndrome
– serratus anterior muscle pain syndrome
– cyclic breast pain
I am having numbness in my left arm that moves from my fingers all the way to the left side of my head what could that be?
Cheyenne, is the numbness constant and does it affect the entire arm or just outer or inner side? Is there any pain and does it change when you move the arm? Such pain is usually neurological, so I suggest you to visit a neurologist.
For several months now I have had intermittent pain in the top outer portion of my humerus bone. This pain starts as a jab and then subsides to an ache. When I rub the area there is really no relief however if I rub my lower outer shoulder joint it does feel better. It usually only lasts a few minutes. There have also been instances where I have an aching pain in the left side of my neck right above the collar bone. I was diagnosed with Sjogrens about 4 years ago and is only in my feet at the time. Any ideas on the humerus or neck pain?
What happens if you put the hand on the affected site at the top of the head? In herniated disc in the neck, this would likely relieve the pain and in thoracic outlet syndrome (brachial plexus involved) this would aggravate the pain.
I have shingles left side niw i have burning in left arm pit upper back wrist pain palm very red what is this so uncomfortable
Tracy, all this can happen in shingles, but I can’t say from here is it or not. Shingles can heal on its own in few weeks, but you can also ask for an antiviral cream.
I’m 39 male and have been suffering from pain in my right hand (mostly the pinky and the finger next to it) all the way up till the shoulder blade including armpit and front upper right chest area foe 15 months. The pain in the arm seems to be on the inside mostly but not entirely. I have had three mris (neck, brachial plexis and shoulder) all clear except the shoulder which showed a small benign osteotumor in the coracoid area. A surgery removed most of it (it was about the size of a shelled almond few mm long) but not difference in the pain felt. EMG ruled out carpal tunel. physical therapy did nothing. In sort no diagnosis yet. The pain fluctuates; is not unisom in all the area. Could be more on the shoulder blade and later more on the armpit or hand) The more I use my hand the more severe it gets. It started between the right shoulder blade and the spine and then progressed to the entire hand down to the hand. No pain the tip of the shoulder just around it. I was recently told the the thymos gland is more enlarged that it should be. Any ideas?
To me, it sounds like your pain originates in the upper back or neck and radiates downwards, rather than the other way around.
Important details:
— Do you have any tender point anywhere on your right upper back, shoulder or right side of the chest – if you just stand and someone presses on that area, do you feel more pain?
— Is the pain affected by lifting your arm, like placing your hand on the top of the head?
— Does your work involve lifting anything, bending on the elbows and are you very physically active? Any injury?
Pain between the shoulder blades radiating down the arm can occur in herniated disc or other condition with a pinched nerve in the spine. MRI cannot always reliably rule out these conditions. Herniated disc would cause pain in the outer side of the shoulder and upper arm rather than on the inside of the arm and less likely in the forearm.
Thoracic outlet syndrome due to a compression of the brachial plexus where it passes under the clavicle probably cannot be ruled out by MRI.
Myofascial pain syndrome is caused by an increased tension of the upper back muscles due to bad posture during sitting, a lot of hand work or exercise.
Still, you mentioned quite exact locations of the pain, which sounds more of a neurological problem.
That tumor near the coracoid should not cause the pain in the locations you mentioned, especially not on the inside of an arm. But you may have a similar tumor or a muscle or bone in a slightly different anatomical position, which could press upon the brachial plexus, which could result in thoracic outlet syndrome – in this case, lifting your arm above the shoulder level would likely aggravate the pain. In a herniated disc in the neck, placing a hand on the top of the head often relieves the pain.
Iam 49 yr old female.I have this right shoulder pain frm last 2 uyrsit occurswhen I overuse my hand for househlod work like cleaning n in winter too.the pair starts frm right shoulder n goes upto middle finger n ring finger it is electrifying sharp pain I cannotrest on shoulders n sleep I hv tobe awake whole night.
plus school notebook corrections also kills…plzzzz help me n with correct line of treatment.
Yasmeen, such pain can be caused by a herniated disc in the neck, for example. I suggest you to visit a neurologist or orthopedist. Without knowing the cause I can’t say what treatment would help.
Have tingling, pain , numbness , itchy , down left arm to the hand. It happens at any time. Also Have had pain up my jaw and neck. Had surgery about 10 years ago, after moving furniture , it was my C6 and C7. About a year ago was told I have 2 bone spurs.
Please help.
Pain in the arm can be caused by the compression of the C6 or C7 nerve root, but pain in the neck can be caused by C2 and C3. I suggest you to visit a neurologist.
constant pain both shoulders down arms hands and fingers with swelling in fingers and knuckles. about 4 months.
Jon, it could be rheumatoid arthritis or a similar rheumatic disease. Blood tests can reveal the cause.
I’m a 37 year old female, for the past week I’ve been having pain, numbness, tingling, burning, bruising, and swelling in my arms hands legs and feet…. It’s worse in my arms and hands than it is in my legs and feet… I wake up several times during the night crying cause it hurts so bad…. I’m the morning’s when I wake up I can barely move my arms and hands cause it is so bad… I can barely grip anything I drop everything and my boyfriend has to help me get dressed, bathe and fix my hair because it hurts so bad…..Amy ideas of what could be causing this
Athena, please go to a doctor and do not ask for solutions online, because it sounds quite serious to me and nobody online can solve this. It can be a neurological or other problem.
Hello, I’m quite concerned about a pain I have had for about 4 weeks. It started on the underside of my left forearm around the middle, it felt bruised at first but I hadn’t injured it, I then started to notice pain when I extended my arm too. Mostly around the same area but it started to feel more like a stretching pain, like I was over extending my arm or something was trapped. The pain is pretty much the same now but I’ve noticed that the stretching type of sensation us now extending towards my wrist and past my elbow when I straighten my arm and twist my wrist. I’ve also noticed that along the pain site when my arm is extended, the skin tightens and looks slightly dimpled but only when I outstretch my arm. I’ve never experienced anything like this before and I have been referred for an xray by my doctor. But I’m really worried it could be very serious or worse still the dreaded c word.
Any advice?
Sianj, have an X-ray and see what comes out. Then be sure to get an exact written explanation from a radiologist. It sounds like a local problem in the forearm that pulls the muscles and skin. It could be a muscle contraction or an underskin infection, for example. Skin cancer would be visible. Bone cancer would not likely cause pain triggered by twisting the wrist.
Ok, thank you. That is a relief. I’m just waiting for the cray referral. Thanks for the help
Reading above message I too have been having tingling/burning in my upper right arm. It usually starts when I eat which sounds strange!? Also if I have a touch of heartburn my arm will start with tingling sensation too?
Margaret, eating is usually associated with bending the neck and poking the chin a bit. These moves, in combination of tense muscles in the upper back, may trigger tingling in the arm. This would be a part of myofascial pain syndrome. Heartburn, that is burning sensation behind the breastbone, can be felt between the shoulder blades or it may increase the muscle tension in the upper back.
I have been experiencing pain in my right fore arm and wrist for about 16 months.The pain only occurs when i am using my mouse or when there is pressure on those areas. After numerous consultations and diagnostic tests the doctors suggested carpal tunnel release surgery was the solution. I had the surgery which was unsuccessful as the pain did not go away. The pain is so sore that i decided to start using my left hand to maneuver my mouse. I now have the same pain in my left fore arm and wrist. My posture and ergonomics are correct, does anyone have any idea what my diagnosis is?! My situation is Incredibly frustrating as i have been to 3 Orthopaedic & hand surgeons and neither of them could pin point what the problem is. Any advise or guidance would be greatly appreciated.
Cameron, any symptoms in the fingers and if yes, which exact ones? Pain on the pinky or thumb side of the wrist and forearm?
I have cramp in my right thumb and forearm, arm feels heavy all the time, goes numb and spasms when I lift it over my head, had an MRI on my neck and showed nothing and carpal tunnel test negative, any suggestions? I’m in constant pain and cannot twist my arm.
Jane, forearm symptoms increased by lifting an arm can be due to thoracic outlet syndrome – just one cause to mention, because it is often overlooked and initial tests usually do not address it.
Great information on this page….iv had neck shoulder arm and lower back pain for years daily and at night worse. Most recently my shoulder right arm hand swell and go a pale blueish tinge tingling numbness headaches constantly got pretty scared when face went numb and tingly……had ultra sound scan of shoulder waiting for results any thoughts
Penny, which part of the arm swells and goes numb and tingly?
I’m having pain in my left upper inside part of my arm, left side of neck , and on the left back part of my neck. It started out with a heaviness in my arm. Then proceeded to a cramp in my neck. Lastnight I couldn’t sleep due to the hurting in neck and left arm. Anyone have a clue what this could be?
Brandy, such symptoms can develop in a herniated disc or arthritis in the neck spine. To get an actual diagnosis, you would need to have X-ray or MRI of the spine, or whatever your doctor will find necessary.
Such pain can also appear in myofascial pain syndrome.
I had a left hand crush injury in 2008. At work. Another reacurance of my hand in 2012. With wsib. I “thought” I hurt my left shoulder at home. I worked for a year. Had to leave. I’ve been off two years on disability through work. Just recently they found another tare. So two tears. Two different tendons in my shoulder. Pinching in my neck. Constant 24/7 swelling in my left hand my whole left side. I just noticed swelling in my lower left leg. It’s taken three years and I still don’t no what’s going on. Just shoot me!! With life events. Non stop bad luck since being off work has not helped. Almost homeless to top it off.
My pain is not horrible just kind of dull my left arm bicep and forearm sometimes wrist and top of my hand hurts worse when I carry or lift something like its in my thumb when I grasp it feels weaker than my right arm
Karen, do you run (sprint) or often lift heavy bags? I’m not sure what the cause could be, except muscle fatigue.
When you lift an arm above your shoulder level and if you have a herniate disc in the neck, the pain would decrease, and if you have thoracic outlet syndrome, the pain would increase.
While searching for appropriate condition diagnosis for symptoms that of stinging sensation in upper shoulder radiating down outer arm not quite halfway to elbow along with tingling and numbing aggrivated by raising my arm above my head, I have come to a diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome. Pain increases with movement of arm overhead such as reaching dishes in cabinets. I do notice that if i am sitting with my elbows bent resting on legs with hands closer to shoulder level, like now as I am using cell phone for this comment, the tingling is more noticeable.
Do you think this is proper diagnosis ?
Shelly, thoracic outlet syndrome can present with symptoms you’ve mentioned but I by no means can say if this is what you have. An orthopedist can tell if it is and tell what to do. I wouldn’t leave this untreated, because early treatment usually results in better outcome.
It’s been a week now. Last Thursday I fell asleep on the couch when I woke up in the morning my neck was sore from the way I slept. The next day I had pain pinching achy pain in my right shoulder blade. The pain would go up my back into my right arm. My fingers would go numb. When I turn my head it feels like pulling in the cord of my neck. I have been putting heat and ice on it. It feels a little better. How long could it last?
Julie, if you search online for “wry neck recovery time” you can find various websites mentioning it can last for 2-3 weeks. It sounds to me that you might also have a herniated disc in the neck spine.
I started having pain in my right elbow. Then it spread to my bicep and shoulder. Today the left side of the middle of my back (close to the spine) feels like it has been punched. I am a 39 year old female. Any ideas on what it could be?
Jennifer, I can’t say what is the cause, but one possibility is that the origin of the pain is in your upper back muscles — the pain then radiates down the inner side of the arm . It is called myofascial pain; common causes are bad posture during sitting and excessive physical exercise. If it is actually myofascial pain, you or someone may be able to find muscle knots in your upper back muscles, where you feel the pain.
My mother is having pain and swelling in her right arm. Swelling and pain has increased to her breast regiob. Thought s?
Pritish, such swelling can be caused by enlarged lymph nodes in an armpit and one possible cause is beast cancer. I recommend she visits a doctor soon.
I am sixteen . It has been more than a month , i am feeling dizzy loss of balance , severe headace palm sweat shivering breathless . Since past few days i am having chest pain in arms heaviness
Ally, please visit a doctor to check if it is something serious.
very useful article
I have lower back pain and pain in between my sholders mainly near my spine. My left ring finger the inside tip down to the first knuckle (joint)is tender if I pick something to quick it sends a shooting pain that takes me to my knees the cold makes it worse were I have to hold my finger it’s a throbbing sharp pain. I get numbness threw out my arms n legs specially my hands. I get a tingling feeli NG threw out my body at times. My lower back pain makes it hard to walk at times . My body Hurst bones it feels like mainly in cold weather. What can I ask a doctor for to help with the pain ? Any natural pills powders ect I can take ? What blood test can I ask for ? I have taken an x ray on my lower back n found out I have acute athourituse.idk if I spelled it correctly
Connie, it seems you have acute arthritis. On your X-ray report you may find out which exact type of arthritis you have. Anyway, have this report with you when visiting a doctor.
You can best prepare for a doctor’s appointment if you write down all the symptoms you have, when did they start (months, years ago?) and what aggravates and relives them. The doctor should then now what tests to order. Without knowing what is your exact diagnosis, I can’t say what could help. The doctor will likely prescribe you some anti-inflammatory drugs for arthritis.
The other night, just before going to bed, I noticed my right arm and hand felt a bit numb. Bug it went away and I quickly forgot about it. But maybe 2 hours later, as I lay in bed, my right arm began hurting so bad, as if it were bfoken, from the shoulder to the tips of my fingers. When I tried to get out of bed to find some ibuprofen, I couldn’t even stand to my feet! I literally had to crawl to get medicine (which NEVER even worked, by the way…) That’s how bad my arm was hurting!! The pain was UNIMAGINABLE!! I was up all night and finally passed out the next morning for maybe 2 hours. When I woke up, I could barely move my right arm, my joints and bones were so stiff. I couldn’t even make a fist. It felt as though my arm was swollen and the skin was tight, but it wasn’t… My hand and fingers also felt very numb and tingly… I also noticed a small red mark on my right forearm. On day 3 there’s no more stiffness or numbness, just some mild pain in some tendons and joints, and the red mark on the forearm has turned into a bruise…. But I didn’t hit my arm on anything. I didn’t injure my right arm in any way prior to all this happening….
I should probably list other symptoms I have as well, because you never know what’s related…
Severe headache behind right eyeball, feels like my eyeball is about to explode…
Blurred vision and horizontal double vision…
Ringing in ears…
Sudden deafness in one ear for a moment…
A “whom whom whom” sound in my right ear when pressure is in or on my right side (I hear nothing in my left ear…)
I see stars frequently…
That’s really all I can think of at the moment…
I’ve had blood tests (which only came back that I was vitamin D defficient and I’m on a prescription for that)
I’ve also had a CT scan and an MRI and they both came back normal….
Kayla S, stroke was ruled out?
This sounds serious, so I can’t take a chance and give any advice. A small bruise becoming big and with arm swelling — my first taught was a spider or some other insect bite.
I’m a 26 year old and this pain started yesterday morning the pain feels like a terrible bruise but I don’t have any discoloration I feel the pain in my left armpit and inner left arm when I try to extend my arm or move it from a certain position i didn’t do anything strenuous for this to happen but A couple days ago I felt numbness and tingling in both arms laying down to go to bed don’t know if that might have something to do with this
Samantha, we have an article about armpit pain here: http://www.ehealthstar.com/underarm-armpit-pain.php
Is your armpit tender or do you have any lumps in it? Is your inner arm tender to touch? Sometimes, a minor cut in the hand can cause inflammation of the lymph vessels and pain along their way to the armpit.
I didn’t quite understand: the tingling in both arms was before bed or in the morning?
My inner arm and arm pit are both tender to touch and I feel no lumps in my armpit I don’t have any cuts that are noticeable and the tingling in my arms was at night in bed before falling asleep and I thought that was due to the position I was in but since this happened with my left arm i didn’t know if maybe it could be related.
The symptoms in two arms may be related in the way that both have nerves that arise from the same level in the spinal cord. I can’t give any reliable advice. In a herniated disc in the neck, symptoms in the arm are relieved when you put the hand on the top of the head. You can check the article, there are some simple tests you can do on your own. In thoracic outlet syndrome, symptoms are aggravated by raising an arm above the shoulder level.
If it does not get better in few day, I recommend you to arrange an appointment with a neurologist.
Constant pain in both upper arms(aching) , more in the right arm, limited mobility without getting pain(raising arms, unable to reach behind without pain, if odd movement/erratic movement, sharp pain in bicep area.
Linda, I can’t say what this could be. I think, myofascial pain, a problem with shoulder joints or shoulder capsules would be more likely than a herniated disc in the neck. You may want to read more about myofascial pain and shoulder pain.
My husband has been having constant pain in both forearms for a while now. It increases with any use of his arms. He can barely lift things now as it shoots pain down his forearm from his elbow towards his wrist. He says he used to have a firm handshake but now it causes him excruciating pain to squeeze anything. Any ideas on what this could be?
Monique, it sounds as a neurological problem to me. He can visit his primary doctor and eventually ask for an appointment with a neurologist.
I had a fall 2 days ago down a flight of stairs. Marble stairs. I’m already on calcium citrate and 10000 iud’s of vitamin do. It doesn’t hurt past my elbow however, above the elbow all pain. Cannot rotate my left arm, cannot turn my arm nor rotate my left shoulder. It doesn’t hurt anywhere in neck when I do my neck stretches but it hurts in my shoulder. My armpit where I have no lymph nodes due to a surgical procedure. Last but not least my shoulder blade is stiff as a board and I can barely lift my arm to shampoo, cannot lift anything I can barely get it out of bed. Any ideas?
LoLo, an orthopedist or neurologist can perform few quick tests, which can tell if you have some nerve injury. Or shoulder joint or scapula injury. I don’t think calcium, vitamin D or any other supplement will help.
I can’t really say is it “only” a muscle injury. One possible cause that could prevent raising your arm above the shoulder is thoracic outlet syndrome from a damage of the brachial plexus (a bunch of nerves that travel from the neck through an armpit into an arm. I strongly suggest you to visit a doctor. Early treatment usually gives better and quicker results and can prevent complications.
Sometimes when working at armpit or shoulder height I can hear and feel my muscles moving over each other. At times it can be painful and very strange. Today after shopping looking at things at shoulder level I felt pain I my rotator cuff area briefly. Now from my elbow to wrist is extremely painful with the greatest pain in my wrist, close to where my thumb starts. It runs up the top side of my lower arm to the elbow. Any idea what is going on with my particular issues
Jean, we describe some causes of shoulder pain here: frozen shoulder, calcific tendonitis, etc. I suggest you to see an orthopedist.
Hi I’ve been having pain in my left upper back, left arm mainly top arm and chest pain. Today I’ve had 4 episodes each one lasting around half an hour or so. With one I had felt quite unwell and cold & shivery. All eventually settles but I’m quite worried as lately I’ve felt quite short of breath, weak & have had some random chest pain too. I also suffer with gallstones and Lately have had some stomach/abdomen pain too and a weird pain smack bang in the centre of my upper stomach which is worse when I stretch! No idea if these are all related but I don’t think gall stones are as they tend to effect the right side. Really don’t know whether this is heart related or could be something else 🙁
Afet, it can be an infection of the lungs (pneumonia), lung membrane (pleurisy) or heart sac (pericarditis), for example. I strongly recommend you to visit a doctor soon.
Hi I’ve had sharp shooting nerve pain when I use the pincer grip (right hand) That’s gone now and am left with swelling and dull pain at base of thumb. I have concomitant pain in my elbow. Now the pain has also started in my left hand especially in my forearm . Also I am feeling dizzy. I do have osteoarthritis in my neck with osteophytes. Dr. says pain in thumbs in due to OA. but why is there no neck pain involved?
Anne, osteoarthritis may or may not affect the neck spine. Osteoarthritis alone does not cause swelling or dizziness, so you may want ask a doctor about that.
In 2010 I had a discectomy on l5-s1. In 2012 discectomy on c6-c7 and disc fusion on c4-c7 in 2016. I have spinal stenosis. A few weeks ago I woke with a sharp pain in right shoulder, which radiated to chest, down outside of right arm. Weakness in right arm and hand. Muscle spasms. Hand and arm muscles hurt when hand is open. Could there be a problem with the fusion or more vertebrae issues with thoracic?
Evelyn, a fusion of cervical vertebra may, in theory, increase the risk of a herniation in the thoracic spine, which could explain your pain in the chest. It is possible that your shoulder/arm/hand pain arises from the cervical spine.
I’ve been having consistent pain in my right upper arm, nearly in the center. The pain never moves; I can point with my finger the exact place. It hurts deep inside, massaging doesn’t help.
The pain occurs nearly everyday sometimes subtle but annoying and other times I’m counting the minutes until I can take another alleve/ibuprofen.
I did some heavy yard work a couple months ago, so a lingering issue seems most plausible. But with no additional rigorous activity or strain, I’m curious…. Could the pain continue for so long?
Tonight the pain made me quiet nauseas for any an hour and has arrived faded to “annoying”. Thank you.
Heather, where exactly do you feel pain?
I have been having pretty consistent pain in and around my right shoulder blade. One day last week I woke up with my arm and hand tingling. The pain went away for a day then today it is back and I am having a burning sensation in my right forearm. I am an office worker with two smaller children so I feel there is a logical explanation, but today I am again worrying myself sick that this could be something serious. Thoughts?
Amy, if your pain is on the outer side of the arm or forearm, it may be due to a herniated disc in the neck.
http://www.ehealthstar.com/conditions/bulging-herniated-disc
If your pain is on the inner side of the arm, it may be due to a stretched serratus anterior muscle due to lifting heavy objects. You can search for “serratus” in this article http://www.ehealthstar.com/shoulder-blade-pain.php and you’ll see an image of pain distribution.
I can’t exclude anything, but, for example, heart-related pain usually goes down the left arm. Your symptoms are also not typical for multiple sclerosis.
I am having upper left arm pain that tightens & numbness and needle pain radiating down my arm to my fingers. I am going to physical therapy (…theese symptoms happen while at work towards the end of shift.)…also i have pain in thoracic area on the left side of spine…..my symptoms also occur when i lean my head back and to the right.
Sherry, your symptoms suggest you may have a herniated disc or other disorder in the neck spine with a pinched spinal nerve.
http://www.ehealthstar.com/conditions/bulging-herniated-disc
I am 59 year old male with heavy pain from shoulder down to my wrist.When reaching for something cramping pain run down from my shoulder to my wrist.Tried most strong pain killers nothing helps.
Been to hospital feels it is caused because of my heart.Please assist
Krish,
– heart problem – pain goes down the inside of the arm (the side that is close to your body) – pain should not be affected by moving the arms.
– herniated disc in the neck – the pain goes down the outside of your arm – pain is relieved when you put a hand on top of your head.
– thoracic outlet syndrome (compression of the nerves near the clavicle called brachial plexus) – pain is aggravated by lifting an arm.
I suggest you to visit an orthopedist or neurologist.
My neck muscles, shoulder muscles and arm muscles are so tight they hurt in pain. I am having numbness and pain in my arms and hands. Going on for a long time now. Been to massage therapists,chiropractor’s etc. Only helps for a little bit and then comes back worse? I am a 42 year old female. Spent many years working on the phone at a computer. What doctor should I be seeing? I need some help ASAP!
I suggest you to visit an orthopedist who can check if the ere is a problem in the neck, such as a herniated disc. You need to get a correct diagnosis before treatment.