Arm pain can develop due to a wide range of causes, each with its own unique symptoms and treatment options. From common injuries to more complex conditions, these are some of the most common potential reasons why your arm hurts.
1. Muscle Strain
A muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are overstretched or torn. This often happens after heavy lifting, sudden movements, or repetitive use. For anyone asking, “Why does my arm hurt?” a muscle strain could be a simple yet common answer.
2. Tendonitis
Tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons, which are the thick cords that attach muscles to bones. Repetitive motion or overuse, such as in sports or manual labor, can lead to tendonitis. Common types include tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), which we’ll discuss in more detail below.
3. Rotator Cuff Injury
The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that help move the shoulder. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or Tendonitis, can cause pain that radiates down the arm. These injuries are particularly common in athletes and individuals who perform overhead movements.
4. Fractures
A bone fracture in the arm can cause sudden, severe pain. Common fractures include breaks of the humerus in the upper arm or radius and ulna in the forearm. If you’ve recently experienced trauma or a fall, a fracture could be the cause of your arm pain.
5. Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. It commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. The pain may be sharp and aggravated by movement, particularly overhead motions.
6. Nerve Compression or Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve in the neck or spine can cause pain, numbness, or tingling sensations that radiate down the arm. Conditions like a herniated disc or cervical radiculopathy are often responsible for this kind of pain.
7. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed, often due to repetitive motions like typing or using a mouse. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling, particularly in the fingers and wrist.
16. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome is a condition where the blood vessels or nerves between the collarbone and the first rib become compressed, leading to arm pain, numbness, and tingling.
17. Trapezius Muscle Spasm
A spasm or tightening of the trapezius muscle, which runs from the neck to the upper back, can cause pain that travels down the arm.
18. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow is a type of tendonitis that affects the outer part of the elbow. It is commonly caused by repetitive motions, particularly in sports, and can cause pain that radiates into the forearm.
19. Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow affects the inner part of the elbow and is caused by repetitive use of the forearm muscles. It can cause pain on the inside of the elbow and along the forearm.
20. Ganglion Cyst
A ganglion cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop near the joints of the wrist or hand. These cysts can cause pain, particularly if they press on surrounding nerves.
21. Tendon Tear
A tendon tear, often caused by sudden injury or overuse, can lead to severe pain and limited function in the arm. This is a more serious injury requiring immediate medical attention and potential surgical intervention.
22. Chronic Overuse Injuries
Repetitive activities such as typing, lifting, or playing sports can lead to overuse injuries. These often cause cumulative damage to muscles, tendons, and joints, resulting in chronic pain.
23. Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve is compressed at the elbow, causing pain, tingling, and numbness that radiates down the arm.
24. Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves. If the nerves that control the arm are compressed, it can lead to pain and weakness in the arm.
25. Infection
In rare cases, an infection in the bones, joints, or soft tissues of the arm can cause pain, swelling, and redness. This requires immediate medical attention to prevent the spread of the infection.
Initial Treatment Options for Arm Pain
If you’re wondering, “Why does my arm hurt?” and you’ve identified a potential cause, the first step is usually to manage the pain with conservative treatments. Here are some common initial treatment options:
- Rest and Avoiding Strenuous Activities: Allowing your arm to rest and avoiding movements or activities that worsen the pain is often the first step in managing arm pain.
- Ice or Heat Therapy: Applying ice to the painful area can reduce inflammation, while heat therapy can help relax muscles and improve blood flow.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help restore strength, mobility, and function to the arm. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises that target the specific area of pain.
- Bracing or Splinting: For conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or a fractured bone, bracing or splinting may be recommended to limit movement and allow healing.
- Massage Therapy: Gentle massage can help relieve muscle tension and promote circulation in the affected area.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
While mild arm pain often resolves with rest and conservative treatment, more severe or persistent pain may require the attention of an orthopedic specialist. If you’re still asking, “Why does my arm hurt?” after pursuing initial treatments, and you experience any of the following, it may be time to seek professional help:
- Pain that doesn’t improve with rest and over-the-counter medications
- Swelling, bruising, or deformity in the arm
- Numbness or tingling in the arm, hand, or fingers
- Limited range of motion or weakness in the arm
- A history of trauma, such as a fall or accident
An orthopedic specialist can help diagnose the underlying cause of your arm pain and recommend more advanced treatments, such as injections, surgery, or specialized physical therapy.
How an Orthopedic Specialist Can Help
Orthopedic specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. They can conduct imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to identify the cause of your pain. Based on the diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a combination of treatments, including:
- Interventional pain management, including injections to reduce pain and inflammation on an intermediate basis
- Physical therapy to help improve strength, stability, and range of motion or for ongoing rehabilitation after surgery
- Surgery, including shoulder surgery, elbow surgery, and wrist surgery, to treat fractures, severe tendon tears, or joint issues
Overcoming Arm Pain
Reasons for why your arm hurts can range from muscle strains and tendonitis to more serious issues like nerve compression or heart-related conditions. By understanding the potential causes and initial treatment options, you can take the necessary steps to address your arm pain. If your symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to seek the help of one of our orthopedic specialists, who can guide you toward effective treatments and recovery.
At The Orthopedic Clinic, we recognize that effective orthopedic care is more than just treating a condition — it’s about caring for you as a person and prioritizing your overall health. Our skilled team is dedicated to learning about your individual health goals and lifestyle before recommending a tailored treatment approach. If you’re seeking answers about why your arm hurts and the available treatment options, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today to discover how we can guide you toward lasting relief.