Arm pain can range from a dull ache to sharp pain or tingling, and it can make simple tasks and work difficult. It may start in the arm itself or in the neck, shoulder, elbow, or wrist. Recognizing the cause early helps prevent worsening symptoms and long-term problems.
Treatment depends on the cause. Most arm pain is managed without surgery.
Non-surgical care
When symptoms persist
Seek a professional assessment for pain that persists.
Arm pain results from multiple sources, including:
Injuries
Fractures, sprains, and strains from falls, sports, or accidents.
Nerve compression
Pinched nerves in the neck, or carpal tunnel at the wrist.
Inflammatory conditions
Arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis causing swelling and joint discomfort.
Overuse and repetitive strain
Typing, lifting, or sports-related motions.
Underlying health conditions
Fibromyalgia, diabetes-related nerve damage, or heart problems.
A compressed neck nerve sending pain down the arm.
The location and pattern of symptoms point to the source.
Neck
Cervical spine
Pain from the neck down the arm, often with tingling in the fingers.
Elbow
Ulnar nerve or tendons
Numbness in the ring and little fingers, or tennis elbow.
Wrist
Median nerve
Numbness in the thumb and first fingers, often worse at night.
Arm pain can come from overuse and repetitive strain, injuries such as fractures and sprains, inflammation such as tendinitis or arthritis, nerve compression in the neck, elbow, or wrist, or medical conditions such as diabetic neuropathy.
Yes. Arm pain, especially in the left arm, combined with chest pressure or tightness, shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea can signal a heart attack. Call 911 right away.
Yes. A compressed nerve root in the neck (cervical radiculopathy) often causes pain, numbness, or tingling that travels down the arm into the hand.
Acute pain starts suddenly, often after an injury, and usually resolves quickly. Chronic pain lasts for months and may worsen over time without treatment.
See a specialist for pain lasting more than a couple of weeks, weakness in the hand or arm, numbness or tingling, or pain that disrupts sleep or work.
Treatment depends on the cause and may include rest, strengthening exercises, ice or heat, ergonomic changes, splinting, injections, or procedures for nerve compression.
A physical and neurologic examination, sometimes with X-rays, MRI, or nerve conduction studies, helps find whether the problem is in the neck, shoulder, elbow, or wrist.
Total Spine and Orthopedics evaluates arm pain in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646.
Arm pain can restrict simple actions like gripping, lifting, or resting comfortably. Watch for:
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Tracing arm pain to its source
We determine whether pain starts in the neck, shoulder, elbow, or wrist before recommending treatment.
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Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.
