Arm Pain Symptoms
Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Pain in the arm can result from a number of factors. Abnormalities of the skin, nerves, bones, joints, blood vessels, and soft tissues of the arm can all result in pain. Sometimes diseases that affect other organs in the body, like peripheral vascular disease or arthritis, can be the cause of pain in the arm. Causes of arm pain range from mild annoyances to severe and potentially life-threatening occurrences, such as the pain from myocardial infarction and angina pectoris that may radiate (spread) to the arm area. Treatments for arm pain depend on the underlying cause.
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REFERENCE:
Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.
Causes of Arm Pain
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Angina Angina is chest pain that is due to an inadequate supply of oxygen to the heart muscle. Angina can be caused by coronary artery...learn more »In This ArticleAngina Article- Angina facts
- Introduction to angina
- What is angina and what are the symptoms of angina?
- What causes angina?
- What are other causes of chest pain?
- Why is it important to establish the diagnosis of angina?
- How is angina diagnosed?
- What are the treatment options for angina patients?
- Angina medications
- Angioplasty and coronary artery bypass surgery
- What's new in the evaluation of angina?
- What's new in the treatment of angina and heart attacks?
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Ankle Pain Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within...learn more »In This ArticleAnkle Pain Article- Ankle pain and tendinitis facts
- How is the ankle designed, and what is the ankle's function?
- What injuries can cause ankle pain?
- What diseases and conditions can cause ankle pain, and how are they treated?
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Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »In This ArticleArthritis Article- Arthritis facts
- What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
- What are risk factors for arthritis?
- What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
- Who is affected by arthritis?
- How is arthritis diagnosed, and why is a diagnosis important?
- What is the treatment for arthritis?
- Is there a special diet for arthritis?
- What are the prognosis (outlook) for arthritis, and what are arthritis complications?
- Can arthritis be prevented?
- What is the national financial impact of arthritis?
- What is a rheumatologist?
- What is the Arthritis Foundation?
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Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »In This ArticleBone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article- Bone fracture facts
- Introduction and definition of bone fracture
- What causes a bone fracture?
- What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
- What are common types of bone fractures?
- Broken wrist
- Broken hip
- Broken leg
- Broken shoulder
- Broken hand or fingers
- Open fracture
- Stress fracture
- Compression fracture
- Broken rib
- Skull fracture
- Other fractures
- Bone fracture in children
- How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
- Bone fracture surgery
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Bug Bites and Stings Bug bites and stings have been known to transmit insect-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus, Rocky Mountain spotted fever,...learn more »In This ArticleBug Bites and Stings Article- Bug bites and stings introduction
- What can I do to keep insects away?
- What's the proper way to use insect repellent?
- What's the best way to remove a bee stinger?
- What should I do if I find a tick on me or my child?
- What can be done for itching and pain from bites and stings?
- When is medical attention needed?
- Where can I find more information on bug bites and stings?
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Burns (First Aid) Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »In This ArticleBurns (First Aid) Article- Introduction to burns
- How are burns classified?
- What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
- How important is the location of a burn?
- What about electrical burns?
- What about chemical burns?
- First aid for burns
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Bursitis Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction...learn more »In This ArticleBursitis Article- Bursitis facts
- What is bursitis?
- What causes a bursa become inflamed?
- What are bursitis symptoms and signs?
- How is bursitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for bursitis?
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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which irritation of the wrist's median nerve causes tingling and numbness of the thumb,...learn more »In This ArticleCarpal Tunnel Syndrome And Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome Article- What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What is tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- What conditions and diseases cause carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What are carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms?
- How is carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome? Can carpal tunnel syndrome be prevented?
- What are complications of carpal tunnel syndrome?
- What is the prognosis for carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome?
- Carpal tunnel syndrome and tarsal tunnel syndrome facts
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Cellulitis Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth,...learn more »In This ArticleCellulitis Article- Cellulitis facts
- What is cellulitis?
- What are cellulitis symptoms and signs?
- Where does cellulitis occur?
- What does cellulitis look like?
- What are cellulitis risk factors?
- What causes cellulitis?
- Is cellulitis contagious?
- How is cellulitis diagnosed, and what is the treatment for cellulitis?
- Can cellulitis be prevented?
- What is the outlook/prognosis for cellulitis?
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Chest Pain Chest pain is a common complaint by a patient in the ER. Causes of chest pain include broken or bruised ribs, pleurisy,...learn more »In This ArticleChest Pain Article- Chest pain facts
- Chest pain introduction
- What are the sources of chest pain?
- What are the causes of chest pain?
- How is chest pain diagnosed?
- What is the philosophy of the approach to chest pain diagnosis?
- What is the diagnosis and treatment for chest pain?
- Broken or bruised ribs
- Costochondritis
- Pleuritis or pleurisy
- Pneumothorax
- Shingles
- Pneumonia
- Pulmonary embolism
- Angina and heart attack (myocardial infarction)
- Pericarditis
- Aorta and aortic dissection
- Esophagus and reflux esophagitis
- Referred abdominal pain
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Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »In This ArticleFibromyalgia Article- Fibromyalgia facts
- What is fibromyalgia?
- What causes fibromyalgia?
- Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
- What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
- How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
- Are exercise, stress reduction, or changes in diet helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia?
- What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
- Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
- What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
- Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
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Gout Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead...learn more »In This ArticleGout Article- Gout and hyperuricemia facts
- What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
- Who is affected by gout?
- What are gout causes and risk factors?
- What are gout symptoms and signs?
- How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for gout?
- Gout diet
- Gout medications
- What are complications of gout?
- Can gout be prevented?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with gout?
- What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
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Heart Attack Heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart...learn more »In This ArticleHeart Attack Article- Heart attack facts
- What is a heart attack?
- What causes a heart attack?
- What are the symptoms of a heart attack?
- What are the complications of a heart attack?
- What are the risk factors for atherosclerosis and heart attack?
- How is a heart attack diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for heart attack?
- What about heart attacks in women?
- What are the risk factors for heart attack in women?
- What are the symptoms of heart attack in women and how is heart attack diagnosed?
- How is heart attack in women treated?
- What about hormone therapy and heart attack in women?
- What is new in heart attack?
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Heart Attack Treatment A heart attack involves damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot. The aim of heart attack treatment is to...learn more »In This ArticleHeart Attack Treatment Article- What is a heart attack?
- How is a heart attack treated?
- Antiplatelet agents
- Aspirin
- Thienopyridines
- Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors
- Anticoagulants
- Clot-dissolving drugs
- Coronary angiography and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)
- Coronary artery stents
- Nitrates
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
- Beta blockers
- Oxygen
- Coronary artery bypass
- What can a patient expect during recovery from a heart attack?
- How can a second heart attack be prevented?
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Herniated Disc A herniated disc may be caused by injury or degeneration from age. Symptoms depend on the location of the herniation and whether...learn more »In This ArticleHerniated Disc Article- Herniated disc facts
- How are the spine and its discs designed?
- What is a herniated disc? What causes it?
- What are symptoms of a herniated disc?
- How is a herniated disc diagnosed?
- How is a herniated disc treated?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for a herniated disc?
- Can a herniated disc be prevented?
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Osteomyelitis Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Potential causes include injections around the bone, fractures that puncture the skin,...learn more »In This ArticleOsteomyelitis Article- Osteomyelitis facts
- What is osteomyelitis?
- What causes osteomyelitis?
- What are osteomyelitis symptoms and signs?
- How is osteomyelitis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for osteomyelitis?
- What is the prognosis for osteomyelitis?
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Peripheral Neuropathy Peripheral neuropathy is a problem with the functioning of the nerves outside of the spinal cord. Symptoms may include numbness,...learn more »In This ArticlePeripheral Neuropathy Article- Peripheral neuropathy facts
- What is peripheral neuropathy?
- What causes peripheral neuropathy?
- What are the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy?
- How is peripheral neuropathy diagnosed?
- Is there any treatment for peripheral neuropathy?
- Can peripheral neuropathy be prevented?
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Peripheral Vascular Disease Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to diseases of the blood vessels (arteries and veins) located outside the heart and...learn more »In This ArticlePeripheral Vascular Disease Article- Peripheral vascular disease facts
- What is peripheral vascular disease?
- What is atherosclerosis?
- How does atherosclerosis cause disease?
- What are potential complications of peripheral artery disease?
- What are the other causes of peripheral vascular diseases?
- Who is at risk for peripheral artery disease?
- What are the symptoms and signs of peripheral artery disease?
- How is peripheral artery disease diagnosed?
- What are the treatments for peripheral artery disease?
- Lifestyle changes
- Supervised exercise
- Medications
- Angioplasty
- Surgery
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Pinched Nerve A pinched nerve can be caused of a variety of conditions, for example, carpal tunnel syndrome, herniated disc, sciatica,...learn more »In This ArticlePinched Nerve Article- Pinched nerve facts
- Introduction to pinched nerve
- What causes a pinched nerve?
- Pinched nerve in the neck or lower back
- Pinched nerve in the wrist or elbow
- Other causes of pinched nerve
- What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve?
- How is a pinched nerve diagnosed?
- How is a pinched nerve treated?
- What is a patent's prognosis for a pinched nerve?
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Polymyalgia Rheumatica Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders,...learn more »In This ArticlePolymyalgia Rheumatica Article- Polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell arteritis facts
- What is polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What causes polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What are symptoms and signs of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- How is polymyalgia rheumatica diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with polymyalgia rheumatica?
- Can polymyalgia be prevented?
- What are complications of polymyalgia rheumatica?
- What is giant cell arteritis?
- What causes giant cell arteritis?
- What are symptoms of giant cell arteritis?
- How is giant cell arteritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for giant cell arteritis?
- What is the prognosis for patients with giant cell arteritis?
- Can giant cell arteritis be prevented?
- What are complications of giant cell arteritis?
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Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a disease that causes skin and joint inflammation. Symptoms include painful, stiff, and swollen joints,...learn more »In This ArticlePsoriatic Arthritis Article- Psoriatic arthritis facts
- What is psoriatic arthritis?
- What causes psoriatic arthritis?
- What are psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs?
- How does the doctor diagnose psoriatic arthritis?
- What is the treatment for psoriatic arthritis?
- Disease-modifying medications
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
- Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?
- What does the future hold for patients with psoriatic arthritis?
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Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »In This ArticleRheumatoid Arthritis Article- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
- What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
- What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
- What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
- What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
- How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
- "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
- "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
- What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
- What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
- Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
- What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
- What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
- Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
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Snake Bites Pet vipers are a family of poisonous snakes, which includes rattlesnakes, copperheads, and water moccasins (cottonmouths)....learn more »In This ArticleSnake Bites Article- Introduction to snake bites
- What are the symptoms of a poisonous snake bite?
- What is appropriate first aid for poisonous snake bites?
- How are poisonous snake bites treated?
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Sprains and Strains An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »In This ArticleSprains and Strains Article- Muscle sprains and strains facts
- What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
- What causes a sprain or strain?
- Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
- What are sprain symptoms and signs?
- How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
- How are sprains and strains treated?
- What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
- Can sprains and strains be prevented?
- What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
- Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
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Sunburn (Sun Poisoning) Sunburn is caused by overexposure to UV radiation from the sun. UV rays can also damage the eyes. Repeated overexposure to UV...learn more »In This ArticleSunburn (Sun Poisoning) Article- Sunburn facts
- What is sunburn?
- Can sunburn cause permanent damage?
- What is UV light and where are UV rays most intense?
- What are the symptoms of sunburn?
- What are the symptoms of severe sunburn (sun poisoning)?
- Sunburn pictures
- What first-aid measures should be taken with sunburn?
- What is the treatment for sunburn?
- Are there any home remedies to treat sunburn?
- Is a follow-up visit with a physician necessary?
- Why does the skin tan after exposure to UV rays?
- Who is most susceptible to sunburn?
- Can diseases cause a heightened sensitivity to UV rays?
- Can medications increase sensitivity to sunburn?
- What kinds of skin cancer can UV rays cause?
- How can sunburn and skin cancer be prevented?
- How do sunscreens work?
- What is SPF?
- What is the best way to apply sunscreen?
- Do sunscreens expire?
- Can antioxidants protect against sunburn?
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Tennis Elbow Tennis elbow is a condition caused by the overuse of the muscles of the arm and forearm. Elbow pain the main symptom of tennis...learn more »In This ArticleTennis Elbow Article- Introduction
- What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
- Who gets tennis elbow?
- How is tennis elbow diagnosed?
- How is pain and inflammation reduced?
- How can I promote healing of my injury?
- How do I decrease stress and abuse on the injury?
- What is the outlook for people with tennis elbow?
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Vasculitis Vasculitis is a general term for a group of uncommon diseases which feature inflammation of the blood vessels. Each form of...learn more »In This ArticleVasculitis Article- What is vasculitis?
- What causes vasculitis and what are examples of diseases with vasculitis?
- How is vasculitis diagnosed?
- How is vasculitis treated?
- Vasculitis At A Glance
- Related vasculitis article
Vasculitis - on eMedicineHealth
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Whiplash Whiplash is a common injury to a person's neck following a car accident (in most cases). Symptoms include: headache, neck pain,...learn more »In This ArticleWhiplash Article- What is whiplash?
- What causes whiplash?
- What are the symptoms of whiplash?
- How is whiplash diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for whiplash?
- What can be done to prevent whiplash?
- Whiplash At A Glance
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