Arm Pain
Pain in the arm can result from a number of factors. Abnormalities of the skin, nerves, bones, joints, blood vessels, and soft tissues of the arm can all result in pain. Treatments for arm pain depend on the underlying cause. If you are experiencing arm pain contact Interventional Pain Associates and start living a pain free life.
Arm Pain Definition
- can be referred pain from a problem with another structure e.g. the shoulder, vertebrae or soft tissues of the neck. Alternatively it can be due to irritation or damage to a nerve supplying the arm or can be due to a local arm problem.
What Causes Arm Pain?
Typically arm pain is due to overuse, injury, or age-related wear and tear on the muscles, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments of the arm. Usually these conditions are not serious and you can prevent and treat overuse and minor injuries with self-care and lifestyle changes. For example, proper rest in between periods of exertion and abstaining from extreme sports without proper conditioning are two practical methods of avoiding trauma to the arm
Injury-related causes of arm pain
Arm pain may arise from various injuries including:
- Broken bone or stress fracture
- Dislocated elbow
- Growth plate fracture
- Laceration or contusion
- Neck, shoulder or arm injury
- Pulled or torn muscle
- Sprains and strains
Other causes of arm pain
Arm pain can be due to other conditions including:
- Bone tumor (malignant or benign)
- Cancer
- Complex regional pain syndrome (often triggered by trauma or nerve damage)
- Heart attack
Questions for diagnosing the cause of arm pain
To diagnose the underlying cause of your arm pain, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your symptoms. Questions for diagnosing the cause of arm pain include:
- When did the pain start?
- Did the pain develop slowly or suddenly?
- Is the pain constant or intermittent?
- Has there been any swelling?
- Do you have any other symptoms?
- Are you taking any prescribed or over-the-counter medications or supplements?