What are the common causes of upper arm pain. How can you identify the source of discomfort in your upper arm. What treatments are available for various types of upper arm pain. When should you seek medical attention for upper arm pain.

Understanding Upper Arm Anatomy and Pain Sources

The upper arm is a complex structure comprising bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. To effectively address upper arm pain, it’s crucial to understand the anatomy and potential sources of discomfort. The main components include:

• Humerus bone: The long bone extending from the shoulder to the elbow
• Biceps muscle: Located on the front of the upper arm
• Triceps muscle: Situated on the back of the upper arm
• Brachialis and coracobrachialis muscles: Smaller muscles contributing to arm movement
• Axillary nerve: A major nerve running through the upper arm
• Blood vessels: Supplying oxygen and nutrients to the arm tissues

Upper arm pain can originate from any of these structures or be referred from nearby areas like the shoulder or neck. Identifying the exact source is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Acute Injuries Causing Upper Arm Pain

Sudden onset injuries can lead to significant upper arm pain. These acute conditions often result from trauma or overexertion. Here are some common acute injuries affecting the upper arm:

Triceps Strain

A triceps strain occurs when the muscle at the back of the upper arm is torn or overstretched. This injury is typically caused by overuse or sudden force on the muscle.

Symptoms of a triceps strain include:

• Sharp pain in the back of the upper arm
• Discomfort at the muscle’s attachment points near the elbow or shoulder
• Mild swelling or bruising over the affected area
• Sudden onset of pain, sometimes accompanied by a popping or ripping sensation

Humerus Fracture

A humerus fracture is a break in the upper arm bone, resulting in severe pain. Fractures can occur anywhere along the bone, from the shoulder to the elbow.

Key indicators of a humerus fracture include:

• Immediate, intense pain following an injury
• Difficulty moving the arm, especially when bending the elbow or raising it
• Visible deformity if the bone is displaced
• Swelling and bruising around the fracture site

Axillary Nerve Injury

The axillary nerve can be damaged by direct impact to the outer arm, shoulder dislocation, or compression. This injury can lead to upper arm pain and functional impairment.

Symptoms of an axillary nerve injury include:

• Numbness over the deltoid muscle on the outer upper arm
• Difficulty raising the arm to the side
• Muscle wasting in prolonged cases
• Weakness in shoulder abduction

Upper Arm Contusions

Contusions result from direct blows to the arm, causing muscle damage and pain. Both the biceps and triceps muscles can be affected by contusions.

Common signs of an upper arm contusion include:

• Pain immediately following impact
• Restricted elbow movement, especially extension
• Discomfort when bending the elbow against resistance
• Tenderness to touch
• Visible bruising and swelling

Gradual Onset Upper Arm Pain Conditions

Not all upper arm pain develops suddenly. Some conditions cause discomfort that builds up over time. Understanding these gradual onset conditions is essential for proper management and prevention.

Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)

DOMS is a common cause of upper arm pain, especially after intense exercise or unfamiliar physical activities. It typically affects the biceps or triceps muscles.

Characteristics of DOMS include:

• Pain developing 24-48 hours after exercise
• Muscle stiffness and tenderness
• Temporary reduction in strength and range of motion
• Gradual improvement over several days with rest

Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive movements or prolonged static postures can lead to upper arm pain over time. These injuries often affect tendons and muscles.

Common repetitive strain injuries in the upper arm include:

• Biceps tendinopathy
• Triceps tendinopathy
• Brachialis strain

Symptoms typically include dull, aching pain that worsens with specific movements or activities.

Referred Pain in the Upper Arm

Sometimes, upper arm pain originates from problems in nearby structures. This phenomenon is known as referred pain and can complicate diagnosis.

Shoulder-Related Upper Arm Pain

Various shoulder conditions can cause pain that radiates into the upper arm. These include:

• Rotator cuff injuries
• Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
• Shoulder impingement syndrome
• Shoulder bursitis

The pain often extends from the shoulder down the outer part of the upper arm.

Cervical Spine Issues

Problems in the neck can also lead to upper arm pain. Conditions that may cause referred pain include:

• Cervical radiculopathy
• Cervical spondylosis
• Herniated cervical disc

This type of referred pain often includes numbness, tingling, or weakness in addition to discomfort.

Diagnosing the Cause of Upper Arm Pain

Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment of upper arm pain. Healthcare professionals use various methods to determine the underlying cause:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical exam includes:

• Assessing range of motion
• Testing muscle strength
• Evaluating sensation and reflexes
• Palpating for areas of tenderness or swelling

Imaging Studies

Depending on the suspected cause, imaging tests may be ordered:

• X-rays: To visualize bone fractures or arthritis
• MRI: For detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles and tendons
• Ultrasound: To examine tendons and detect inflammation
• CT scan: For complex fractures or when more detailed bone imaging is needed

Electrodiagnostic Tests

These tests assess nerve function and can help diagnose conditions like axillary nerve injury:

• Electromyography (EMG)
• Nerve conduction studies

Treatment Options for Upper Arm Pain

The appropriate treatment for upper arm pain depends on the underlying cause. Here are some common approaches:

Conservative Management

Many cases of upper arm pain respond well to conservative treatments:

• Rest and activity modification
• Ice or heat therapy
• Over-the-counter pain medications
• Physical therapy exercises
• Gentle stretching routines

Medical Interventions

For more severe or persistent cases, medical interventions may be necessary:

• Prescription pain medications or muscle relaxants
• Corticosteroid injections
• Immobilization with a sling or brace
• Surgical repair for severe injuries or fractures

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery and prevention of future injuries:

• Strengthening exercises for the upper arm and surrounding muscles
• Range of motion exercises
• Proprioception training
• Gradual return to activities and sports

Preventing Upper Arm Pain

While not all cases of upper arm pain can be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:

• Maintain good posture and ergonomics at work and during daily activities
• Warm up properly before exercise and sports
• Use proper form and technique during physical activities
• Gradually increase intensity and duration of workouts
• Incorporate strength training for the upper body, including the rotator cuff muscles
• Take regular breaks during repetitive tasks
• Stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet for overall muscle health

When to Seek Medical Attention for Upper Arm Pain

While many cases of upper arm pain can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate medical attention:

• Severe pain following an injury or fall
• Visible deformity of the arm
• Inability to move the arm or severe weakness
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t resolve
• Signs of infection, such as fever or redness spreading from the affected area
• Pain that persists or worsens despite home treatment
• Any pain accompanied by chest discomfort or shortness of breath, which could indicate a heart problem

By understanding the various causes of upper arm pain and knowing when to seek help, you can ensure proper care and faster recovery. Remember that early intervention often leads to better outcomes, so don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional if you’re concerned about your symptoms.

Upper Arm Pain – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Rehabilitation

May 22, 2023

Upper arm pain includes fractures to the humerus bone, axillary nerve injury, contusions, and muscle strains. Here we explain the symptoms, causes & treatment of sports injuries causing pain in the upper arm.

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Acute upper arm injuries

Acute injuries are sudden onset injuries and include fractures and muscle strains. If you suspect a humerus fracture then seek medical attention immediately.

Triceps Strain

A tricep strain is a tear to the triceps brachii muscle at the back of the upper arm which contracts to straighten the elbow. It is caused by overuse or a sudden force on the muscle.

• Symptoms include pain in the muscle at the back of the upper arm or the attachment points at the elbow or shoulder.
• There may be mild swelling or bruising over the muscle.
• Pain is usually sudden in onset and a small popping or ripping sensation may be felt.

• Read more on Triceps strain.

Humerus Fracture

A humerus fracture is a break of the bone resulting in severe upper arm pain. Fractures may occur anywhere in the bone, from the neck of the humerus near the shoulder to the distal end at the elbow. A form of fracture close to the elbow is known as a supracondylar fracture.

• Symptoms include instant pain in the arm at the time of injury.
• The patient will have difficulty moving their arm either bending the elbow or raising the arm upwards.
• Their arm may appear deformity if the bone is displaced.

• Read more on Humerus fracture.

Axillary Nerve Injury

Injury to the Axillary nerve usually occurs as a result of a direct impact to the outside of the arm. However, it can also be injured following a shoulder dislocation or compression of the nerve. Symptoms include:

• Numbness over the deltoid muscle on the outer upper arm.
• Difficulty raising the arm out to the side.
• Wasting the deltoid muscle in prolonged injuries.

• Read more on Axillary nerve injury.

Upper arm contusions

Contusions are also a common cause of upper arm pain. A direct blow to the front, back, or side of the arm crushes muscle against bone and injures it. The biceps muscle at the front or the triceps at the back of the upper arm could be affected. It may also occur in conjunction with an Axillary nerve injury.

Symptoms:

• Pain on and after an impact.
• Loss of full elbow extension (straightening)
• Pain on trying to bend the elbow, especially against resistance).
• Tenderness on touch.
• Bruising.
• Swelling.

Treatment:

• Apply ice to reduce bleeding and swelling.
• Elevate the arm and use a compression bandage.
• Rest from any activities which cause pain.
• Try to keep the elbow moving gently.
• Once pain-free, gently stretch the biceps muscle to regain full extension.
• A sports massage therapist may be able to help loosen the muscle. Please note, massage should not be applied within 72 hours of injury.

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Gradual onset upper arm pain

Delayed onset muscle soreness

Delayed onset muscle soreness or ‘DOMS’ occurs when you have exercised beyond that which your body is comfortable with. It often occurs in the upper arm following a bout of weight training.

• For example, overtraining on the Bench press, or Press-ups will create soreness in the triceps at the back of the upper arm.
• Too many biceps curls will cause DOMS in the biceps muscle. Symptoms develop gradually, 24 to 48 hours after training.
• Pain usually eases in a few days as long as you rest.

• Read more on Delayed onset muscle soreness.

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Understanding upper arm pain – Life Ready Physio

Have you ever asked yourself the question, ‘Why does my arm hurt?’ There are many different conditions that can cause pain in the upper arm and at Life Ready Physio, we can help you with your pain.

The upper arm is classified as the bone and muscle between the shoulder joint and the elbow. In this region there is the primary bone called the humerus, tendons, muscles, nerves and ligaments and all of these can be a source of pain and discomfort.

Here are some reasons as to why your upper arm might be sore:

Trauma, such as a fall onto the arm, can lead to contusions or fractures that are typically managed by a medical professional and a physiotherapist. These are often very painful and result in an immediate loss of function and mobility in the arm. If you have had a fall and are experiencing lots of pain, you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Muscular strains in the biceps, triceps, brachialis or coracobrachialis from overuse or physical exertion can lead to muscular pain and discomfort. Rotator cuff strains in the shoulder joint can also cause pain extending into the arm and is what’s known as “referred pain”.

Shoulder injuries such as, but not limited to, subacromial impingement or bursitis can also cause upper arm pain by the means of referred pain, as described above. Subacromial impingement and bursitis are caused by poor motor control from the rotator cuff and/or poor mobility in the shoulder joint that sensitises the structures in the area, thus causing pain and can commonly refer into the arm.

Elbow pain, much like shoulder injuries, can also refer pain up into the arm. This is often due to irritated tendons in the forearm muscles in conditions such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.

Neck pain can also give rise to upper arm pain. This can also be caused by the referred pain mechanism we have discussed in shoulder and elbow pain above. However, neck pain can be associated with the sensitisation of the nerves, that start from the spinal cord and travel out of the neck and extend into arm all the way into the tips of the fingers. Nerve pain symptoms tend to be associated with pins and needles, burning, shooting, tingling and numbness. Arm pain arising from the neck can also be known as a radiculopathy or nerve root impingement.

A heart attack can also give rise to arm pain and is a medical emergency and requires intervention ASAP. Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort, nausea, sweating, dizziness or lightheadedness, fatigue, shortness of breath and also arm, jaw or upper back pain. If you are experiencing these symptoms, rest immediately, tell someone how you are feeling and call 000.

How is upper arm pain managed?

As you can see, there are many different things that lead to upper arm pain. So if there is no trauma and it is not a medical emergency, your local Life Ready physiotherapist can guide you through the minefield that is upper arm pain. Some hands-on physiotherapy, as well as a home exercise program and the guidance from your physio, will get you back on track in no time.

Call us today for an appointment or book online.

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Pain in the muscles of the hands – General information, Causes. Tomsk

General information

The muscles of the arm are divided into the muscles of the shoulder girdle, shoulder and hand. Muscles of the shoulder girdle: the deltoid muscle begins with a wide aponeurosis from the clavicle, scapular region and acromial process of the scapula and is attached to the upper edge of the humerus.

The scapula is covered by the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. Both muscles cover the posterior surface of the scapula; with a wide aponeurosis, they are attached along the entire edge of the scapula and end at the large tubercle of the humerus.

The large tubercle of the humerus is turned outward and the muscles attached to it turn the shoulder outward. On the anterior side, which faces the ribs, the scapula is covered with the subscapularis muscle . It is attached to the lesser tubercle of the humerus and, contracting, turns the shoulder inward. The subscapularis, infraspinatus and supraspinatus muscles are assisted by the teres major and minor muscles.

Elbow flexion is produced by the biceps and medial brachii muscles. The biceps muscle begins with two heads. The first one starts in a bag of articular surface of the scapula in front, the second – from the coracoid process of the scapula. This muscle lies on the anterior surface of the shoulder and is attached under the head of the radius; it flexes the forearm, helps rotate the forearm palm up and elevates the shoulder. Under it lies a shorter – internal shoulder muscle. It starts under the deltoid muscle on both sides of the humerus and is attached to the coronoid process of the ulna. Shoulder muscles:

• supraspinatus;

• infraspinatus;

• small;

• large;

• subscapular.

They guide the movement of the shoulder and keep it from dislocating. Particularly important in this respect is the supraspinatus muscle, short and strong, on top of the shoulder deltoid muscle. Between the biceps and triceps lie:

All large vessels lie in the internal groove that separates the biceps from the triceps . The external groove is less deep; the external saphenous brachial vein passes through it. Myalgia is spontaneous or palpable muscle pain.

Pain in the muscles of the hands is found in many diseases. Pathogenetically, pain in the muscles of the hands is associated with a violation of the permeability of the membranes of muscle cells, edema, or inflammatory changes in the muscles. Pain in the muscles of the hands can occur in apparently healthy people after hard physical (unaccustomed) work or overtraining in athletes. In these cases, moderate swelling and induration of overworked muscles.

Causes of pain in the muscles of the hands

Pain in the muscles of the hands can be the initial manifestation of polymyositis, which later develops muscle weakness, mainly in the proximal parts of the arm, and moderate muscle wasting. Known rheumatic polymyalgia , which is characterized by pain and tension in the beginning of the muscles of the neck, shoulder girdle, then spreading to the muscles of the pelvic girdle and lower extremities. Often, pain in the muscles of the hands occurs with other infectious diseases , in particular:

• flu,

• brucellosis,

• parasitic myositis (with trichinosis, cysticercosis, toxoplasmosis),

• intoxications (alcohol, lead, carbon monoxide)

• metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus),

• glycogenosis,

• primary amyloidosis.

Arm muscle injury

Vigorous physical activity, even in people with an athletic build, can lead to muscle or tendon rupture . In this case, there is a sudden acute muscle pain , swelling and tenderness on palpation.

Pain in the muscles of the arms during exercise is characteristic of metabolic muscle lesions, such as a lack of enzymes involved in glycolysis, most often accompanied by the development of contractures. In most patients with complaints of pain in the muscles of the hands that occur during or after exercise, there are no clear pathological changes.

Pain in the muscles of the hands may occur in case of infectious diseases caused by influenza and Coxsackie viruses. The terms fibrositis, fibromyalgia, and fibromyositis are synonymous terms used to describe lesions accompanied by acute pain and tenderness to muscle and adjacent connective tissue. You can find local “trigger points” of pain, often there is a general symptomatology in the form of severe weakness, insomnia and depressed mood.

Muscular rheumatism

Muscular rheumatism develops in people over the age of 50 and is characterized by tension and pain in the muscles of the shoulder and pelvic girdle. Despite the localization of pain in the muscles, there is strong evidence that this disease develops arthritis of the proximal joints.

Patients often have effusions in the knee and other joints, deep muscle atrophy , due to inactivity of the limb. In addition, they complain of weakness, which gives reason to suspect the presence of polymyositis.

Diseases of the peripheral nerves can also provoke pain in the muscles of the hands. In case of neuralgia, the pains are paroxysmal in nature and occur along the course of the nerve fibers. In the intervals between attacks, pain is practically absent, and the pain attack itself can last from several seconds to several minutes.

The most severe pain occurs with inflammation of the muscles of the hands . Myositis is a rather serious disease that must be treated under constant medical supervision. Myositis is inflammation of the skeletal muscles. It can occur as a complication of various diseases, such as influenza. A common cause of myositis is muscle overstrain, due to unusual physical activity or trauma to the muscles of the hands.

At myositis there are aching pains in the muscles of the hands, aggravated by movements. Often, dense nodules or strands are felt in the muscles. With an open injury, due to infection, purulent myositis develops, which manifests itself:

• fever;

• chills;

• gradual increase in pain;

• swelling;

• tightness and muscle tension.

A peculiar form is parasitic myositis, which occurs when muscles are damaged by parasites (Trichinella, cysticerci, toxoplasma) and is characterized by fever .

Pain in the muscles of the arms can be caused by an infectious bone disease such as osteomyelitis . Pain in this disease is acute and prolonged. In this case, the cause of pain is the bones themselves.

Arm cramps are involuntary contractions of individual muscles or muscle groups. To stop them, it is recommended to relax the muscles. To do this, it is enough to lie down or sit down, thereby changing the position of the limb, and rub the contracted muscle strongly with your hands. Then apply a towel soaked in cold water, or stand barefoot on the cold ground.

Fibromyalgia can occur in a variety of locations, but the neck, lower back (lumbago), neck, shoulder joints, chest, and thighs near the knee joint are most commonly affected. This pain occurs mainly in women. It can be caused or intensified by physical or mental overload , sleep disturbances, trauma, dampness or cold, and sometimes systemic, usually rheumatic diseases . If there is pain in the muscles of the hands, seek help from a neurologist or traumatologist.

Pain in the forearm of the right and left hand, diagnosis and treatment in Moscow at the Tibet clinic

• High results, no side effects
• Treatment without pills and operations
• Initial consultation with a doctor FREE OF CHARGE

Verified by an expert

Chichkov Mikhail Yurievich

Deputy chief physician for clinical and expert work. Reflexologist, neurologist, surgeon Date of verification: 29.09.2022

CONTENTS:

• Causes by types of pain
• Our doctors
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• Get a bonus on treatment

Pain in the forearm can be caused by a disease of the spine, joints, tendons, muscles, nerves or blood vessels.

Vertebrogenic pains

One of the common causes of pain in the left or right forearm is osteochondrosis of the cervical spine. In this case, it is accompanied by pain in the back of the head, shoulder and under the shoulder blade, numbness of the fingers, dizziness, headache. With movements of the head, physical exertion, pain symptoms in the forearm increase.

Pain in the forearm can signal the presence of a protrusion or intervertebral hernia in the cervical region. It can also be caused by spondylosis. With this disease, bone growths, osteophytes, form along the edges of the vertebrae, which pinch the nerve that innervates the hand. The result is pain along the nerve in the forearm.

Muscle pain

Muscular causes of pain – myositis (inflammation of muscle tissue), hypertonicity, overexertion or stretching of the muscles. With myositis, the pain is burning, intense. If myositis arose as an occupational disease (due to prolonged monotonous muscle loads), then, as a rule, the forearm of the left hand is affected in right-handed people, and in left-handers, the right hand.

With inflammation of the connective sheath of the muscles of the forearm, diffuse fasciitis occurs – another possible cause of pain. With this disease, it is pulling, accompanied by weakness in flexion and extension of the fingers, skin manifestations similar to cellulite.

Arthrogenic pain

Joint diseases – arthritis, osteoarthritis can cause pain. In this case, it is accompanied by signs of inflammation (redness, swelling, local fever) or degenerative-dystrophic changes (crunching, limited mobility) in the joint. Shoulder-shoulder periarthritis causes pain in the shoulder that radiates down the inside of the forearm. It occurs or intensifies with the movements of the hand, an attempt to raise the hand or bring it behind the back.

Tendon causes

Inflammation and degenerative changes in the tendons tendonitis, tendovaginitis, tendinosis is another common cause of pain in the forearm. Pain symptoms with tendonitis are aggravated by hand movements, physical work, and also by touching the inflamed area. They are accompanied by redness, swelling of muscle tissue, local fever.

Vascular and neurogenic pains

The formation of blood clots in the veins (thrombosis) causes blood stasis, a symptom of which is pain in the forearm.

Neurogenic pain is associated with carpal tunnel syndrome or with pinched nerve on the background of osteochondrosis, protrusion or disc herniation, in which the pain sensation spreads along the nerve to the forearm.

Aching pain in the forearm

Aching pain is caused by a pinched nerve, in particular with cervical osteochondrosis. This disease is successfully treated by the methods of oriental medicine in the clinic “Tibet”.

Another possible cause is venous thrombosis. This disease causes blockage of the veins and disrupts blood flow. As a result, inflammation of the vessels and surrounding tissues may occur. Good results in this case gives the use of hirudotherapy.

The deposition of calcium salts (calcification of the forearm) causes aching pain. Capsulitis, or inflammation of the lining of the joint, can also cause pain in the forearm, which is accompanied by limited mobility of the arm.

The deposition of calcium salts (calcification of the forearm) causes aching pain. Capsulitis, or inflammation of the lining of the joint, can also cause aching or severe pain in the forearm, which is accompanied by limited mobility of the arm.

Severe pain in the forearm

Severe forearm pain is caused by a protrusion or herniated disc in the cervical spine. It has a reflected character, that is, it radiates from the place of pinching of the nerve root.

Another possible cause is plexitis. This is an inflammation of the brachial plexus that causes paralysis or neuralgia – intense pain attacks in the forearm. This disease is treated with acupuncture, acupressure, as well as herbal medicine at the Tibet clinic.

Aching pain in humeroscapular periarthritis is aggravated by hand movements (lifting, putting behind the back), as well as when the weather changes.

Acute pain in the forearm

Acute pain in the forearm can be caused by an inflammatory disease of the joint – arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis – inflammation of the tendon (tendonitis) or inflammation (neuritis) of the brachial nerve.

Drawing pain in the forearm

Drawing pain along the inner surface of the forearm is associated with ulnar nerve tunnel syndrome. It is often accompanied by numbness of the inner side of the forearm, wrist, ring finger and little finger, aggravated by prolonged bending of the arm at the elbow.

Burning in the forearm

Burning pain, as a rule, indicates aseptic tendovaginitis. This inflammatory disease of the connective tissues is not associated with an infection, but with prolonged monotonous physical activity (usually an occupational disease). Pain syndrome in aseptic tendovaginitis, as a rule, is accompanied by pain in the fingers.

Another cause of pain may be gout. With this disease, deposits of uric acid salts (urates) occur in the joints (elbow, wrist). The result is a burning joint pain that radiates to the forearm. The pain syndrome may be accompanied by the formation of subcutaneous seals (tophi) on the inside of the forearm.

What to do if your forearm hurts, or you have found signs of at least one of the syndromes indicated above? All these diseases are successfully treated with the complex application of oriental medicine methods in the Tibet clinic in Moscow and St.