What Causes Arm Pain?
Arm pain can arise from various factors, including sports injuries, work-related incidents, and repetitive overuse. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment. The causes of arm pain can be broadly categorised by region and structure, such as neck pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, hand pain, arthritis, bursitis, ligament injury, muscle pain, tendinopathy, and more. It can stem from a local injury, musculoskeletal issue, or even referred from nerves in your neck.
Common Causes of Arm Pain
Shoulder Pain
Common shoulder issues include rotator cuff injuries or frozen shoulder. These conditions often result in significant discomfort and restricted movement. Shoulder pain can severely impact your daily activities, making it difficult to perform simple tasks.
Elbow Pain
Elbow pain is frequently caused by conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. These conditions are typically due to repetitive motions and overuse, leading to inflammation and pain in the tendons around the elbow joint.
Wrist and Hand Pain
Wrist and hand pain can be associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist arthritis, or de Quervain’s tenosynovitis. These conditions can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hands, affecting your ability to grip objects.
Importance of Professional Assessment and Prompt Treatment
Seeking professional assessment and prompt treatment for arm pain is essential. A skilled health practitioner can provide an accurate diagnosis and tailor a treatment plan to address the specific source of your arm pain. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes and prevent further complications.
Arm pain, especially on the left side, can sometimes indicate a more serious condition, such as a cardiac issue. Therefore, it is vital to seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden or severe left-arm pain.
Causes of Arm Pain by Region
Neck Pain
- Cervical Radiculopathy: A condition where a nerve in the neck becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain radiating down the arm.
- Pinched Nerve: Compression of a nerve in the neck can cause arm pain and numbness.
Shoulder Pain
- Rotator Cuff Injuries: These involve damage to the muscles and tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint.
- Frozen Shoulder: Characterised by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, making movement difficult.
Elbow Pain
- Tennis Elbow: Inflammation of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow.
- Golfer’s Elbow: Inflammation of the tendons on the inner side of the elbow.
Wrist Pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Compression of the median nerve within the wrist, leading to pain and numbness in the hand.
- Wrist Arthritis: Degeneration of the joints in the wrist causing pain and stiffness.
Hand Pain
- Finger Sprain: Stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the fingers.
- Hand Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints in the hand, leading to pain and reduced function.
Causes of Arm Pain by Structure
Arthritis
Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, causing pain and stiffness.
Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues.
Ligament Injury
Injury to the ligaments, which connect bones and provide stability to joints.
Muscle Pain
Pain originating from muscles due to overuse, strain, or injury.
Tendinopathy
Disorders of the tendons, including tendinitis (inflammation) and tendinosis (degeneration).
What to Do?
If you experience arm pain, it is crucial to seek professional advice from a physiotherapist or doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and promote a quicker recovery. Physiotherapists can offer various treatments, including manual therapy, exercises, and advice on lifestyle modifications to alleviate pain and improve function.
Conclusion
Arm pain can have many causes, ranging from injuries to underlying health conditions. Seeking professional assessment and treatment is vital to managing pain effectively and preventing further issues. Don’t ignore persistent arm pain; consult your physiotherapist or doctor for a tailored treatment plan.
