Shoulder and elbow pain can be frustrating and limiting, affecting daily activities. When discomfort arises in both areas, understanding its origins is a first step toward relief.
Common Causes of Shoulder and Elbow Pain
Overuse and repetitive strain often cause shoulder and elbow pain, especially in sports or certain jobs. Repeated arm movements, like throwing or lifting, stress tendons and muscles. This can lead to rotator cuff tendinitis in the shoulder (inflamed tendons) or tendinopathy in the elbow, known as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow.” These elbow conditions involve tendon inflammation or degeneration. Strain in one area, like shoulder pain, can increase stress on the elbow, causing symptoms there.
Nerve entrapment or compression can cause pain radiating from the shoulder to the elbow. Nerves from the neck travel down the arm. If compressed or irritated (cervical radiculopathy), pain, numbness, or tingling can occur in the shoulder and elbow.
Nerve compression can also occur in the thoracic outlet, a narrow space between the collarbone and first rib. Thoracic outlet syndrome happens when nerves or blood vessels in this region are compressed, leading to symptoms from the shoulder into the arm and hand, often including the elbow.
Systemic conditions can cause pain in multiple joints, including the shoulder and elbow. Inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. This leads to widespread inflammation, pain, and stiffness in various joints, often affecting both sides symmetrically.
Fibromyalgia, a chronic disorder with widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tenderness, can cause discomfort in the shoulder and elbow. Though not inflammatory, it affects how the brain processes pain signals, amplifying sensations.
Referred pain is discomfort felt in one area but originating elsewhere, due to shared nerve pathways. For example, neck or upper back issues like muscle spasms can refer pain to the shoulder and elbow. The brain interprets these signals as coming from the shoulder and elbow, even if the primary source is elsewhere.
Understanding Your Pain Symptoms
Observing your pain’s characteristics provides insights for healthcare discussions. Consider its onset: sudden after an incident, or gradual over weeks? Understanding if the pain is constant or intermittent also offers clues.
The pain’s nature varies. Is it sharp, suggesting nerve involvement or acute tissue damage? Or a dull ache, indicating muscle fatigue or inflammation? Some describe a burning sensation (nerve irritation), while tingling often points to nerve compression.
Identifying factors that aggravate or relieve pain is helpful. Do arm movements, lifting, or specific postures worsen it? Does rest, ice, heat, or a particular position provide relief? These pinpoint contributing activities or positions.
Note any accompanying symptoms. These might include numbness or tingling in the arm or hand (nerve involvement), or muscle weakness (nerve damage or strain). Swelling, redness, or warmth around joints could point to inflammation or infection, while clicking or popping sounds might suggest mechanical issues.
When to Seek Professional Medical Advice
Seek medical advice if shoulder and elbow pain is severe and interferes with daily activities or sleep. Persistent pain preventing routine tasks or adequate rest warrants evaluation.
If you cannot move your arm or shoulder through its full range of motion, or if there’s an obvious deformity or significant swelling around either joint, seek medical attention. These signs could indicate a fracture, dislocation, or severe soft tissue injury.
Seek medical care after a significant injury, like a fall or accident, especially if pain and limited movement are present. Any pain with new numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand suggests nerve damage and requires prompt evaluation.
If pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms like fever, chills, or a general feeling of being unwell, it could signal an infection or a more serious underlying condition. If pain persists or worsens despite several days of at-home care, consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.
Initial Steps for At-Home Relief
For shoulder and elbow pain, initial at-home relief can manage discomfort. Rest is fundamental; avoid aggravating activities to prevent further tissue irritation. Modifying daily routines to reduce stress on your shoulder and elbow is beneficial.
Ice therapy is recommended for acute pain or inflammation, especially within the first 24 to 48 hours. Ice packs reduce swelling and numb the area. Heat therapy, like a warm compress, is effective for muscle stiffness or chronic aches, promoting blood flow and muscle relaxation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can manage discomfort and reduce inflammation. NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen alleviate pain and swelling. Acetaminophen provides pain relief without addressing inflammation. Always adhere to dosage instructions.
Gentle movement or stretching, if pain allows, can help maintain flexibility and prevent joint stiffness. Perform these movements slowly and within a pain-free range. Avoid any exercises that worsen symptoms, as pushing through pain can exacerbate the condition.