Pain in the upper arm, specifically between the elbow and shoulder, is a common experience that can range from a minor annoyance to a significant hindrance. This discomfort can arise from a variety of sources. Understanding its origins is a first step toward effective treatment.
Muscular and Tendon-Related Causes
Upper arm pain often stems from issues within the muscles and tendons that connect the shoulder to the elbow. These structures are frequently subjected to repetitive movements and strain, making them susceptible to injury. When muscle fibers are overstretched or torn, a muscle strain occurs. This can affect muscles like the biceps, triceps, or deltoid, leading to localized pain, tenderness to the touch, and sometimes weakness in the affected area.
Tendons, the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, can also become inflamed, a condition called tendonitis. Biceps tendonitis, for instance, commonly causes pain and tenderness at the front of the shoulder, which may extend down the upper arm. This often results from overuse, particularly with repetitive overhead activities. Similarly, triceps tendonitis can manifest as pain and sensitivity along the triceps tendon, especially with movements that extend the elbow.
Another cause is bursitis, which involves the inflammation of bursae—small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and reduce friction. While often associated with the shoulder, pain from inflamed bursae can radiate down into the upper arm. Bursitis typically presents as a dull, aching pain, tenderness, and sometimes swelling or warmth around the affected joint, worsening with movement.
Nerve-Related Causes
Beyond muscle and tendon issues, nerve compression or irritation can also be a source of pain in the upper arm, even if the issue originates elsewhere in the body. Unlike the localized ache associated with muscular injuries, nerve pain often has distinct characteristics such as shooting, burning, tingling sensations, numbness, or weakness.
One common nerve-related cause is cervical radiculopathy, which occurs when a nerve root in the neck (cervical spine) becomes pinched or irritated. This can happen due to conditions like a herniated disc or bone spurs that narrow the space where nerves exit the spinal cord. The resulting pain, numbness, or tingling can then travel down the arm, sometimes affecting specific areas like the fingers or hand depending on which nerve is involved.
Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is another condition where nerves and blood vessels in the space between the collarbone and the first rib become compressed. This compression can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm and hand, often worsening with arm elevation. While less common, direct nerve entrapment within the arm can also contribute to pain, though issues originating from the neck or thoracic outlet are more frequent contributors.
Referred Pain and Other Contributors
Pain felt in the upper arm does not always originate directly from local muscles, tendons, or nerves. Sometimes, it is referred pain, meaning the sensation is perceived in the arm but stems from an issue in another part of the body. Shoulder joint problems are a frequent source of such referred pain. Conditions like rotator cuff tears, arthritis, or frozen shoulder can cause pain that radiates down into the upper arm, even though the primary problem lies within the shoulder joint.
Trigger points, which are tight, hypersensitive knots within muscles, can also refer pain to the upper arm. These points, often found in the muscles of the shoulder or back, can cause discomfort that radiates along specific pathways into the arm. For example, trigger points in the coracobrachialis muscle in the upper arm can cause radiating pain, especially when the muscle is overused.
Less common contributors include stress fractures or bone bruises. Stress fractures are tiny cracks in the bone, usually developing from repetitive stress that exceeds the bone’s ability to repair itself. While more common in the lower limbs, they can occur in the humerus (upper arm bone), particularly in athletes involved in overhead sports. These typically present as localized pain that intensifies with activity and improves with rest.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many instances of upper arm pain resolve with rest and self-care, some symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. Seeking prompt medical attention is advisable if the pain is sudden and severe, or if it is accompanied by an obvious deformity of the arm. An inability to move the arm or significant weakness and numbness are also red flags that require immediate assessment.
Arm pain accompanied by chest pain, pressure, or shortness of breath could indicate a serious underlying condition, such as a heart attack, and necessitates emergency medical care. Signs of infection, such as fever, increasing redness, or swelling around the painful area, should prompt a visit to a healthcare provider. If arm pain persists for more than a few days despite home care, worsens over time, or significantly interferes with daily activities, consulting a doctor is recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.