(21,000+ reviews on Google across 150+ locations)
If nagging arm pain has left you with reduced range of motion and struggling to perform basic tasks, you may be dealing with an underlying injury. Join Airrosti’s Brooke Green, DC, as she explains the common causes and injuries associated with arm pain. She also covers traditional treatment methods and how Airrosti can help you find arm pain relief.
Arm pain can present itself in various sections of the arm. You may experience pain in the rotator cuff or shoulder, elbow pain, wrist pain, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Arm pain is often caused by a sports or activity-related injury, but can also be caused by soft tissue imbalance, a joint injury, a pinched nerve, or restricted blood flow.
While we usually think of an arm injury as something that happens during activity, it can also occur over a long period of time. Because of our reliance on our arms to complete everyday tasks, they can easily become overworked. Overuse injuries involving the arm can develop if the arm is used to compensate for weakness in other muscles, like the shoulders, neck, or back.
Identifying the specific location of your pain can often help determine the type of injury involved. A muscle strain in your bicep or tricep will most likely be felt in the upper arm. Injuries like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome will likely manifest pain in the forearm and wrist.
Common causes of arm pain include:
Symptoms of arm pain may vary based on the location of the injury. In some cases, arm pain can be a symptom of a problem in other parts of the body, like your neck or shoulder joint.
Potential signs of an arm injury include:
Severe traumatic injuries like fractures may feature additional symptoms like bruising and difficulty moving your arm. Depending on the cause, pain can start suddenly or develop over time.
Pain in the left arm, combined with excessive sweating, nausea, difficulty breathing, palpitations, fainting, or chest pain can be signs of a heart attack. Please call 911 if you think you might be having a heart attack.
Older adults have a greater chance of having arm problems because they lose muscle mass as they age. Children may have arm problems because of overuse injuries. Injuries in children occur more often because their bones have not fully developed. Individuals who exercise with improper form, or try to exercise beyond their limits, are also more likely to sustain an arm injury.
The treatment for arm pain depends on the underlying cause. For pain due to overuse injuries, the treatment typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
If the pain is more severe, a splint or sling, or anti-inflammatory medications for pain may be prescribed. For more severe injuries, like fractures or complete muscle tears, surgery may be recommended.
At Airrosti, our providers will conduct a thorough evaluation of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan for your specific injury. In addition, we also provide tools and resources that can boost your recovery and help you avoid future pain..
Don’t let chronic arm pain hold you back. schedule an appointment with an Airrosti provider today and get back to doing the things you love most, pain free.
We offer convenient remote telehealth options in addition to in-office visits. Call us today at (800) 404-6050 to learn more about treatment at Airrosti or find a provider near you.
Reviewed by Casey Crisp, Doctor of Chiropractic
Disclaimer: Always consult with your doctor before starting any exercise program. If you experience any numbness, tingling or reproduction of your symptoms, please contact your doctor.
Late May 2021, I started experiencing pain in my right forearm, pain so bad that I couldn't function - it was excruciating. I saw my primary doctor and he prescribed the usual medications for an RSI (muscle relaxer, steroid, ibuprofen), however, none of the medications I took provided any relief and the pain was so extreme that I went to the ER that night. There, after what can best be described as a cursory examination of my arm and a downright dismissive assessment of my symptoms, I was given an NSAID injection. A few days later, there was improvement but after a couple of weeks, I was still having trouble sleeping and was still experiencing considerable pain doing everyday things like tying my shoes, making my bed, and sleeping in my ...+ show morepreferred position. I finally made an appointment with Airrosti in mid-June and my only regret is that I didn't do so sooner. Right away I found Dr. Palm's attention remarkable. After two previous rushed and seemingly flippant medical visits, it was a huge relief to have Dr. Palm really listen as I described in detail the nature of the pain and the profound impact it was having on my quality of life. After my first treatment, I observed marked relief and after my second, the pain was completely gone and I was able to resume my normal life...I didn't need a third treatment. Dr. Palm is the type of medical professional I wish all providers were. He listens intently, he's empathic, and he provides a level of care, unlike anything I've experienced before.
by Benjamin Myers
The pain started in my right wrist about 25 years ago. It eventually spread to include my whole arm and shoulder. Next, it spread to my left arm and shoulder. Two times, I went to orthopedic specialists, had lots of tests, etc. Nothing came of it. I just found ways to avoid the pain. I should have come to Airrosti years ago! My left side is back to normal. My right side has made lots of great progress. I used to despair that I would never get back to normal. But now I think I can get there. This is the best decision I've made in a long time!
by George Mock
The sessions I attended took away all the pain I was experiencing on my back, legs and arms. Dr. Siragusa and Jerrod were amazing and attentive to my medical needs. I recommend you try this.
by Narciso Hernandez
I was experiencing excruciating pain in my upper arm for over a week and had almost no range of motion between the shoulder and the elbow. I had an appointment with Dr. Ritola, and after one visit with him where he performed some deep tissue work and assigned physical therapy exercises, I felt immediate relief. I would recommend anyone to see Dr. Ritola - his bedside manner is so warm and he explains things in a very easy to understand way.
by Allyn Johnston
Before visiting Dr. Latiolais, I had minor back surgery to remove a benign cyst on my upper back - it wasn't until several months after this surgery that I started losing feeling in several of my fingers on that same side of my body and began to get a more limited range of motion - all despite me being a fairly in shape middle-aged male. My workouts were starting to suffer and I wanted to avoid surgery; I decided to try Airrosti after no results from a known chiropractor. Going in, I was a skeptic - but after a very short week and a half, I started to feel real results - she was able to identify and focus in on what really the issue through her analysis; three sessions with Dr. Latiolais and daily home exercises in conjunction with regul...+ show morear workouts relieved all my symptoms in just over a couple weeks from first seeing her. I've recommended Airrosti to several colleagues and friends and will continue to do so.
by Tyler Wolfe
I was referred to Justin several years ago I was in so much pain I could not even lift my arm or use it he completely eliminated the pain and I regained use of my arm since then I have gone back to him with severe back problems with sciatica leg pain once again he helped me eliminate my pain I call him my miracle worker but if you have any kind of pain give him a call. I guarantee you will walk out of there feeling much better.
by Kathy Puddy
I came to Airrosti back in late April / first of May 2018 with shooting pain in my forearms, wrists, and biceps. I had previously been to a surgeon who was wanting me to have surgery on both of my wrists. After 4 visits with Dr. Leonova, I had minimal to no pain and was able to begin working out again. She is a great doctor, very easy to talk to and get along with. I have no hesitations about going back to see her with any of my injuries in the future.
by Trent Briley
I came to Airrosti for therapy after I broke my arm. My first visit I was convinced this is the place for me to be. Dr. Myers is very efficient and professional I could hardly move my arm but after the 2nd visit I was able to move my arm and with each visit, I got better and better. Thank you, Dr. Seth Myers, you're AMAZING!
by Sherryl Johnson
I had my C4-7 fused and due to the damage before hand could not lift my left arm up above my head and always had severe pain in the shoulder area. I had been to my regular Chiropractor and had deep tissue massages, and rehab and nothing helped. I just gave up on ever being pain free. Dr Trimmier changed that, after my first appointment I left actually having hope on being normal again. Now after my 3rd appointment I have felt better than I have since this started back in July 2017. All I can say is don't give up and go to an Airrosti near you, the results are unbelievable.
by Evelyn Zalman
I had been in pain from the right side of my arm, down to numbness in my fingers. The pain was so severe I could not sleep at night. I called Arrosti and they made me an appointment with Dr.Kramer. After 2 visits, and with help of her Assistant Pete, I am pain free and sleeping great at night. Thank you so much Arrosti, Dr. Kramer, and Pete.
by Ron Carrizales