Upper arm pain is commonly caused by muscle strain and tendonitis, which can be resolved within a few days. Referred pain and heart conditions can also cause upper arm pain. Treatment for biceps tendonitis includes rest, ice, and medication, while chronic cases may require more aggressive therapy. Pain in the left arm can signal a heart attack, accompanied by other symptoms.
The most common causes of upper arm pain are considered to be muscle strain and tendonitis. None of these conditions are considered serious and often resolve within a few days. In some cases, pain in the upper arm results from a condition called referred pain. Referred pain is pain felt in one part of the body, while the cause of the pain is actually coming from a completely different location. Sudden, severe pain in the upper arm can sometimes signal a serious heart condition and may indicate that a heart attack is imminent.
Muscle fatigue usually results from overloading the muscles and tendons within a particular muscle group. It can happen after performing an extremely strenuous task, or it can be the result of repeated overuse. Upper arm pain caused by muscle strain is usually work or sport related. People who have jobs that require a lot of lifting or that involve reaching their arms overhead may be more at risk for this type of fatigue. Often, a few days of muscle rest relieves symptoms.
Biceps tendonitis is a type of tendonitis that affects the muscles of the upper arm and shoulder and is caused by tears or worn stitches in the tendons. People who suffer from this condition usually experience pain in their upper arm and, in addition, the area is usually painful to the touch. Treatment for biceps tendonitis usually involves applying ice and restricting movement. Anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen may also be needed for pain relief. The length of rehabilitation depends on the degree of the injury, with some recovering within days while others may take weeks to see improvement.
Some people suffer from biceps tendonitis repeatedly. For these individuals, more aggressive therapy is sometimes needed. Chronic tendonitis is often much more painful and may require direct steroid injections to quickly treat the inflammation. Additionally, chronically ill patients may need to undergo physical therapy or surgery to see an improvement in their condition.
Pain in the upper arm, especially in the left arm, sometimes signals a heart attack. This type of pain is described as a radiating pain that usually starts in the shoulder and travels up the arm. The pain is usually sudden, although in some cases it may start as pain that gradually gets worse. Either way, if it’s related to a heart attack, the pain usually occurs within hours or minutes of the attack itself. Heart attack-related upper arm pain usually involves other symptoms such as sweating and dizziness.
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