Pain in the upper arm can be mild or it can also be stinging like an electric shock. This Buzzle article provides information on the various possible causes behind this condition. Continue reading for more details.
Upper arm pain refers to the pain that is experienced between the shoulders and the elbows, either in one arm or in both the arms. There are a number of arm pain causes, varying greatly in the kind of effect they can have on the body. Sometimes, upper arm pain is a condition in itself, and at other times, it could be a symptom of some serious underlying health problem. Here are some of the possible causes of pain in the upper arm.
Trauma
Any kind of injury or trauma caused in the upper arm region may cause the bones to break, resulting in fracture. Fracture can be a major cause of arm pain. Besides pain, some of the other symptoms of fractures are inflammation in the upper arm and bleeding, provided the skin on the upper arm has been injured too.
Strained Muscles
Sometimes due to over exercising or picking up heavy things, the muscles in the upper arm may get overstretched, causing a strain in the muscles. There might be associated tearing of the muscle tissues too.
Acid Reflux Disease
Persons who suffer from acid reflux disease, also known as GERD, often suffer form heartburn. This is because in this condition, the stomach acids travel back into the throat. This heartburn can sometimes cause pain in both the arms. Such a pain might actually be experienced in the chest area, and later it may extend further down to the upper arms.
Tendonitis
Arm pain which is experienced upon lifting them, could be due to tendonitis. A tendon is a fibrous tissue, which is the link between the bones and the muscles. Any kind of swelling or inflammation in the tendons due to a number of causes such as trauma, injury, or due to their excess usage, can cause tendonitis. Tendonitis in the upper arm area, besides causing pain, presents itself with symptoms such as swelling in the joints and warmth in the affected area.
Brachial Plexus Injury
Arm pain restricted to one arm, i.e., either left upper arm or right upper arm, could be due to a brachial plexus injury. The pain associated with brachial plexus injury is quite similar to an electric shock in its intensity. This condition occurs when an injury is caused to the network of nerves whose main function is to send signals from the spine to other body parts such as, hand, shoulders, and the arm. The nerves might either have got overstretched or they may have become torn. The most common causes of a brachial plexus injury are accidents, certain sports, and tumors.
Heart Disease
Arm pain on the left side could be a symptom of a heart disease, especially if it is accompanied by pain in the chest and sweating. Many people who suffer a heart attack, often experience pain in the left arm too. Sometimes there might be a problem in the flow or supply of blood from the heart to the body due to the heart disease, and this insufficient supply of blood can lead to arm pain and weakness too.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is another cause behind pain in the upper arm. This condition occurs when the nerves get damaged due to a number of reasons, such as trauma, infection, problems in the metabolic process, diabetes, and presence of excess toxins in the body. Upper arm pain due to peripheral neuropathy can be accompanied by pain and numbness in the feet and legs as well.
As you can see, pain in the upper arm is not something that should be overlooked or ignored. Its immediate and proper diagnosis by a doctor is very essential to rule out any serious health complications.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
