Arm Pain

Overview

Arm pain is any pain or discomfort from your shoulder down to your wrist and hand. It can come from muscles, joints, tendons (tissue that joins muscle to bone), nerves, skin, blood vessels, or sometimes from the neck, heart, or other parts of the body. Most arm pain is not serious, but some types need urgent care.

Yes. Arm pain is a very common reason people ask for medical advice or visit a pharmacist or doctor.

Anyone can get arm pain at any age. It is more common in people who do repeated arm movements, play sport, have arthritis, have had an injury, or sit in the same position for long periods.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching, throbbing, or sharp pain in the upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist, or hand
• Stiffness or trouble moving the arm, shoulder, or hand
• Pain when lifting, reaching, gripping, or twisting
• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth in part of the arm
• Weakness in the arm or hand
• Tingling, numbness, or a “pins and needles” feeling
• Pain that spreads from the neck or shoulder into the arm
• Pain that is worse at night or when resting the arm in one position

Symptoms in children

• Not wanting to use one arm, or holding it still against the body
• Crying or pulling away when the arm is touched or moved
• Swelling, bruising, or a bent-looking arm after a fall
• A young child who will not use an arm after being lifted or pulled by the hand needs medical advice
• Arm pain with fever, a rash, or feeling generally unwell

Symptoms in older adults

• Arm pain after a minor fall or bump, which can sometimes be a broken bone, especially if bones are thin (osteoporosis)
• Shoulder or elbow stiffness from arthritis (joint wear and tear)
• Weakness or pain that makes everyday tasks such as dressing or cooking harder
• Pain that comes with chest symptoms, shortness of breath, or feeling faint
• New numbness or weakness, which should be checked promptly

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle strain or sprain (a stretched or torn ligament) from lifting, sport, or a fall
• Tendon problems, such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow (pain where tendons attach to the elbow)
• Joint problems, including arthritis (joint inflammation or wear and tear)
• Nerve pressure or irritation, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (pressure on a nerve at the wrist)
• Neck problems that send pain down the arm
• Broken bones or dislocated joints after an injury
• Skin or soft tissue infections
• Heart problems, including a heart attack, which can cause arm pain
• Other conditions, such as shingles (a painful rash caused by a virus), blood vessel problems, or rare nerve conditions

Risk factors

• Repeated arm, wrist, or shoulder movements at work or in sport
• Poor posture or a workstation that is not set up well
• Previous arm injury
• Arthritis or other long-term joint conditions
• Diabetes, which can increase the risk of some nerve problems
• Smoking and other conditions that affect blood vessels
• Older age and thinner bones
• Being less active or having weak shoulder and arm muscles

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Chest pain or pressure, or arm pain with shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or fainting — call emergency services
• Sudden weakness, numbness, or a drooping face — call emergency services
• A badly injured arm, heavy bleeding, or an arm that looks deformed
• A red, hot, swollen arm with fever
• New weakness or numbness in the arm or hand
• A cold, pale, or blue hand or arm

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild arm pain that lasts more than a few days or keeps coming back
• Pain that is affecting sleep, work, or daily tasks
• Stiffness or a reduced range of movement
• Tingling or numbness that comes and goes
• Pain that has not improved with rest and gentle movement
• A long-term condition such as arthritis that is changing or getting harder to manage

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will ask about your pain, how it started, what makes it better or worse, your work and hobbies, and your medical history. They will examine your arm, shoulder, hand, and neck, and check your movement, strength, feeling, and pulse. They will also check for warning signs that need urgent care.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to look for broken bones or arthritis
• Ultrasound to look at tendons, muscles, and fluid
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation
• Nerve tests to check how well nerves are working
• MRI or CT scans if more detail is needed

What to expect at your appointment

Most people do not need every test. Your clinician will arrange tests only if they will help explain your symptoms or guide treatment. You may be given advice to rest the arm, change activities, or see a physiotherapist. If there are emergency signs, you will be sent for urgent care straight away.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Most arm pain gets better with self-care, activity changes, and time. Your healthcare provider will help you find the right plan and will check for serious causes if needed.

Self-care at home

• Rest the arm from the activity that caused the pain, but avoid keeping it completely still for long periods
• Use a cold pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods if there is swelling or a recent injury
• Keep the arm supported and raised if it is swollen
• Try gentle movement and stretching as the pain settles
• Ask your pharmacist about pain relief that is safe for you
• Set up your desk, chair, and screen so your shoulders and wrists are comfortable
• Take breaks from repeated arm movements

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may suggest physiotherapy, a splint or brace, advice on activity, or pain relief that is suitable for you. If an infection is found, it will be treated. If a long-term condition such as arthritis is causing the pain, your care team will help you manage it. They will not usually prescribe medicine unless it is needed and safe for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is uncommon for arm pain. It may be considered for some broken bones, severe tendon or nerve problems, or when other treatment has not helped. A specialist will explain the risks and benefits.

Living with this condition

Pace yourself and avoid sudden increases in arm activity. Use both hands for lifting when you can, keep often-used items within easy reach, and take short breaks during repeated tasks. If one arm is painful, ask for help with heavy lifting until it improves.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your shoulders relaxed and your back supported when sitting
• Take regular breaks from typing, phone use, or repeated arm movements
• Warm up before sport and build up activity slowly
• Strengthen your shoulder and arm muscles with gentle exercises recommended by a physiotherapist
• Get enough sleep and manage stress, as tiredness can make pain feel worse

Diet and exercise

No special diet treats arm pain. Eat regular, balanced meals and drink enough water. Gentle movement, such as walking and light stretching, can help you stay active. Ask a physiotherapist or healthcare provider before starting heavy exercise or returning to sport.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-lasting pain can be frustrating and can affect sleep, mood, work, and family life. This is understandable. Talk to your healthcare provider if pain is getting you down. If you feel hopeless or have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or a local crisis support service right away.

Prevention

Not all arm pain can be prevented, but you can lower your risk by warming up before sport, building strength gradually, taking breaks from repeated movements, and setting up your workstation comfortably.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents arm pain itself. Keeping up with routine vaccines can help prevent some infections that may cause joint or bone pain.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for arm pain. If you have repeated pain or a long-term condition such as arthritis, regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Pain that lasts longer or keeps coming back
• Stiffness and loss of movement in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist
• Muscle weakness and difficulty with daily tasks
• Nerve damage if pressure or irritation is not treated
• A missed serious cause, such as a heart problem, infection, or broken bone
• Poor sleep, low mood, and time off work

Long-term outlook

Most arm pain improves with the right care and time. Serious causes need urgent treatment, so do not ignore emergency signs. With advice from your healthcare provider and gentle, steady activity, most people get back to their usual activities.

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