There are many different possible causes of arm pain. In some cases, arm pain can be a sign of a more severe medical condition. Because of this, it's important to speak with an SOS arm specialist about your arm pain.
See a Doctor or Therapist About Your Arm Pain
If you don't take steps to improve your arm pain, things could get worse.
What Causes Arm Pain?
Arm pain may be caused by a variety of medical conditions.
If your arm pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, this may be a sign of a heart attack:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or chest pressure
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If your arm pain is accompanied by the above symptoms, do not wait to schedule an appointment and call 9-1-1 immediately.
Arm pain may be specific to a part of your arm. This may include:
- Pain in left arm
- Pain in right arm
- Upper arm pain
- Pain in upper right arm
- Throbbing pain in left arm
Pain associated with different parts of the arm may be related to different medical conditions. As these medical conditions may vary in severity, it's important to see an arm pain specialist at SOS before it gets worse.
To learn more about a specific medical condition that may be the cause of you or your loved one's arm pain, click on the name of the medical condition below.
Broken Arm
What is a Broken Arm?
A broken arm occurs when a bone or several bones in the arm crack. A broken arm is one of the more common causes of arm pain.
What Causes a Broken Arm?
- Falling on the hand or elbow
- Playing sports
- Car accidents or accidents while riding a bike
- Other trauma where force is applied to the arm
Broken Arm Symptoms
Arm pain is the primary symptom of a broken arm. In addition to arm pain, other broken arm symptoms include:
- Arm pain that gets worse with movement
- Arm swelling
- Arm bruising
- A deformed arm or wrist, such as an arm or wrist that bends awkwardly
- Not being able to turn your arm up or down
If you or a loved one experience any of the above symptoms of a broken arm, it's important to see an SOS arm doctor so that the arm heals properly.
Broken Arm Treatment Options
The team of experienced arm pain specialists at SOS can diagnose if your arm pain is caused by a broken arm.
If your arm pain is found to be caused by a broken arm, treatment options include the following:
- Setting the bone back in to place
- Restricting arm movement with a cast, sling, splint or brace
- Medication, including pain medication or anti-inflammatory medicine
- Physical therapy
If Your Arm Pain is Severe Enough, SOS is The Trusted Team for Broken Arm Surgery
Some broken arms may require surgery to stabilize the arm bone(s). If a broken arm includes an open or compound fracture, where the bone breaks through the skin, this requires immediate medical attention and surgery may be necessary.
SOS provides total orthopedic care for a broken arm. An SOS arm pain specialist can evaluate if you or your loved one would benefit best from surgery. The experienced SOS arm surgeons make arm surgery as easy and stress free as possible, being there for you before, during and after surgery to answer any questions.
For Arm Pain Relief, Including Diagnosis and Treatment of a Broken Arm, Request an Appointment at SOS
If you or a loved one experience arm pain and other broken arm symptoms, get the total orthopedic care you deserve at SOS. An SOS arm pain specialist can create a personalized care plan that works best for you or your loved one.
If left untreated, a broken arm may not heal properly, which may develop in to more health problems.
Bursitis
What is Bursitis?
Bursitis is a medical condition that is a form of joint inflammation. Bursae are small sacs of fluid that serve as a cushion for bones, muscles and tendons that are located near joints. When bursae become inflammed, bursitis develops.
Bursae are located at shoulder joints, elbow joints and knee joints. Because of this, depending on which joints are affected by bursitis, bursitis may cause shoulder pain, elbow pain or knee pain in addition to arm pain.
Bursitis Causes
Repetitive motions or overuse injuries that repeatedly apply pressure to joints can cause bursitis. Relatedly, putting weight on your elbows by leaning on them for extended periods of time can cause bursitis to develop. Kneeling often and for long periods of time, such as for certain tasks that require being low to the ground, can cause knee bursitis and related knee pain.
Bursitis Symptoms
Symptoms of bursitis that cause arm pain can include:
- Aching that affects the arm or elbow
- Stiffness felt in the arm or elbow
- Swelling or redness on the arm or elbow
- Inability to move the elbow
- Arm pain or elbow pain that gets worse with activity
- A fever
Don't wait until it gets worse. See an SOS arm pain specialist if you or a loved one experience bursitis symptoms.
Bursitis Treatment Options
An SOS arm pain specialist will listen to you or your loved one and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Treatment options for bursitis include, but are not necessarily limited to:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
The Trusted Team for Bursitis Surgery
While the arm pain specialists at SOS prioritize conservative treatments prior to considering surgery, patients who haven't experienced the symptom relief they're looking for may be a good candidate for bursitis surgery.
The SOS surgeons are experienced in performing bursitis surgery. Our dedicated team of arm pain specialists will listen to you or your loved one and answer any questions before, during and after surgery.
See an SOS Doctor to Diagnose and Treat Arm Pain That May Be Caused by Bursitis
The SOS arm pain specialists can determine if bursitis is causing you or your loved one's arm pain. We will then develop a personalized care plan to address your bursitis before the condition worsens.
Still Not Sure What's Causing Your Arm Pain? An SOS Arm Pain Specialist Can Help
While the above highlights common causes and medical conditions related to arm pain, this is not a comprehensive list of possible arm pain causes.
The SOS arm pain specialists have the experience you can count on to diagnose and care for your arm pain.