Understanding Left Arm Pain: Causes and Treatments
Left arm pain can present as discomfort anywhere from the base of the neck to the fingertips. You may experience a dull ache or sharp pain, which may sometimes be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation, depending on the underlying cause. Pain in the left arm can result from a pulled muscle or fatigue, but it can also indicate serious complications. It’s essential to consider external factors when determining the cause of arm pain. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or heart palpitations, seek medical attention immediately.
What Causes Left Arm Pain?
Heart Attack
Left arm pain may be a sign of a heart attack. Along with left arm pain, other heart attack symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, sweating, stiff jaw, and shoulder pain. Heart attacks require immediate medical attention. In the United States, heart attacks occur roughly every 40 seconds. Additionally, coronary artery disease is the primary cause of heart attacks and the leading cause of death for women.
Muscle Strain
Arm pain may be from a strained muscle. Muscle strain can occur from physical activity, labor, or inadequate stretching. Symptoms include left shoulder pain, difficulty moving the arm, discolored skin, bruises, and swelling. If your left arm hurts, reflect on recent activities contributing to muscle strain.
Arthritis
Arthritis involves the swelling and tenderness of joints. Several joints in the arm can become inflamed, causing chronic pain.
Vaccines
Recent vaccines may cause arm pain. The CDC notes that local reactions at the injection site, such as arm pain, are common side effects of vaccines like the COVID-19 vaccine, affecting around 70% of people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
Medications
Statins are a common medication associated with muscle aches and arm pain. In a recent study, some participants reported muscle pain in the upper arm during statin treatment.
Unexplained Arm Pain
Doctors can’t always identify the cause of arm pain. Nonspecific arm pain is pain without a known cause, which can be influenced by factors such as physically demanding work, disability, anxiety, and depression.
Should I Be Worried About Left Arm Pain?
The answer isn’t straightforward, as many potential causes exist. Left arm pain can indicate a heart attack, which is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing.
A family history of heart disease increases the risk of a heart attack. Certain conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use also contribute to this risk.
Arm pain from arthritis is generally not an emergency. Resting muscles, applying ice, using compression, and elevation may relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol and NSAIDs can help.
Diagnosing Left Arm Pain
Diagnosing arm pain is complex because pain is subjective. Vital signs like a fast heart rate or elevated blood pressure can indicate pain.
Your healthcare provider will likely conduct a physical exam and may ask questions to assess your pain:
- On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate your pain?
- Describe your pain.
- Where is the pain located?
- Is there anything that makes it better or worse?
- When did the pain start?
Your provider may discuss over-the-counter pain management, lifestyle changes, and natural ways to reduce pain. In severe cases, prescription medication may be necessary.
Injuries That May Cause Left Arm Pain
Certain physical injuries and conditions can cause arm pain, including rotator cuff tears, pinched nerves, carpal tunnel syndrome, broken bones, sprains, blood clots, or other trauma. These injuries can cause severe pain and numbness. Seek medical help immediately if you sustain an injury, especially if serious symptoms are present.
How Long Does Left Arm Pain Last?
Left arm pain can be lasting or intermittent. If caused by a pulled muscle or recent flu shot, symptoms should ease within a few days to a week. If a medication is responsible, discuss alternative treatments with your healthcare provider.
If a heart attack causes the pain, it may be constant and severe. Seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or visiting the nearest hospital.
Treatment Options for Left Arm Pain
Treatment varies based on the underlying cause and symptoms.
Heart Attack: Seek immediate medical attention if your left arm pain is accompanied by chest pain, sweating, or other heart attack symptoms.
Muscle Aches, Arthritis, Physical Injury, or Unexplained Pain: Over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen can ease discomfort. Stretching, massaging, resting the arm, and alternating heat and ice can help.
Vaccines: Use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. If pain persists or worsens, contact your healthcare provider.
Medications: If you suspect a medication is causing arm pain, consult your healthcare provider for alternatives.
Preventing Left Arm Pain
Prevent arm pain by stretching before and after workouts to avoid muscle strain. Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly to prevent heart attacks. Avoid smoking, limit alcohol, and manage conditions like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
To reduce your risk of arthritis, stay physically active without overexerting your joints.
Unfortunately, preventing arm pain from medications or vaccines is challenging. Recognize common symptoms and inform your healthcare provider if they persist or worsen.
When to See a Doctor
If left arm pain continues, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately. Only medical professionals can rule out serious conditions like a heart attack.
