Why does my left arm hurt?

Left arm pain can present as discomfort anywhere from the base of the neck to the fingertips. You may experience a dull ache or sharp pain, which may sometimes be accompanied by numbness, weakness, or a burning sensation, depending on the underlying cause of your pain. Pain in the left arm may sometimes result from a pulled muscle or fatigue; however, it can also indicate serious complications. It is essential to consider external factors when determining the cause of arm pain. If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or heart palpitations, seek medical attention immediately.

Key takeaways:

• Left arm pain is a common symptom that may be caused by an injury, vaccines, medications, or more severe conditions such as a heart attack.
• Left arm pain requires immediate medical attention if accompanied by chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, and sweating.
• Left arm pain generally requires treatment for symptom relief. It typically resolves with treatment within a few days.
• Treatments of left arm pain vary by cause but often include over-the-counter pain medicine.
• If not a medical emergency, mild to moderate left arm pain can be managed with rest, ice, compression, and elevation.
• Use coupons for left arm pain treatments, like Tylenol or ibuprofen, to save up to 80%.

What causes left arm pain?

If you develop pain in your left arm, you may feel concerned, and rightfully so, as pain in the left arm can sometimes be a symptom of a heart attack.

• Heart attack. Left arm pain may be a sign of a heart attack. Along with left arm pain, other heart attack symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fast heartbeat, sweating, stiff jaw, and shoulder pain. Heart attacks are medical emergencies and require immediate interventions. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms arise. In the United States, heart attacks occur roughly every 40 seconds. Coronary artery disease is the main cause of heart attacks and the leading cause of death for women.

But the good news is that other causes of left arm pain are possible—and common. Because pain is somewhat subjective, it can be caused by different things for different people, such as:

• Muscle strain. Arm pain may be from a strained muscle. Muscle strain can occur from too much physical activity, labor, or inadequate stretching before performing a strenuous activity. Symptoms may include left shoulder pain, difficulty moving the arm, discolored skin, bruises, and swelling. If your left arm hurts, reflect on recent activities contributing to muscle strain.

• Arthritis. Arthritis involves the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints, known as inflammation. Several joints are located in the arm; therefore, an underlying condition of arthritis can set in, inflame joints, and may cause chronic pain.

• Vaccines. Recent vaccines may contribute to the causes of arm pain. Any vaccine may cause arm pain, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In a study of CDC data and patient survey responses, local reactions at the injection site, such as arm pain, were the most frequent side effect in people who received COVID-19 vaccines, affecting around 70% of people who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.
• Medications. Medications may trigger muscle aches that lead to arm pain. Statins are a common medication associated with muscle aches and arm pain. In a recent study, some participants reported muscle pain in the upper arm during statin treatment.  

• Unexplained arm pain. Doctors can’t always figure out what may be causing arm pain. Nonspecific arm pain is arm pain without a known cause. Physically demanding work, disability, anxiety, and depression can all contribute to this type of arm pain, making it difficult to determine the underlying cause.

Should I be worried about left arm pain?

The answer isn’t that simple, as there are many potential causes for left arm pain. In some instances, pain can indicate the onset of a heart attack. Heart attacks are a medical emergency that can lead to severe complications or even death if left untreated. Go to an emergency room immediately to see a healthcare provider or call 911 to be escorted to an emergency room by ambulance.

Left arm pain may be worrisome if there is a family history of heart disease. A heart attack in the past could increase the risk of developing a heart attack again, affecting about 200,000 people annually. However, 605,000 people have a heart attack without any history of a previous attack each year. Certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and tobacco use can contribute to the risk of developing a heart attack.

Arm pain caused by arthritis is generally not an emergency. Resting muscles, applying ice, using compression, and elevation may relieve symptoms. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol and anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs can help.

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Diagnosing left arm pain

Diagnosing arm pain is complicated, as pain is subjective. However, vital signs such as a fast heart rate or elevated blood pressure can mean you are experiencing pain.

Your healthcare provider will likely provide a physical exam and may ask the following questions to assess your pain:

• On a scale of 1 to 10, where would you rate your pain?
• Describe your pain.
• Where is the pain located?
• Is there anything that makes it better?
• Is there anything that makes it worse?
• When did the pain start?

Expect your healthcare provider to discuss over-the-counter pain management medications, lifestyle changes, and other natural ways to reduce pain. If severe, a healthcare provider may prescribe medication.

Injuries that may cause left arm pain

While it may seem obvious, certain physical injuries and conditions can cause arm pain. These may include a rotator cuff tear, pinched nerve or other nerve damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, broken bones or an arm sprain, blood clots, or other trauma affecting the left arm. These injuries can cause severe pain and even arm numbness. It is essential to seek medical help immediately upon sustaining an injury, especially when experiencing serious symptoms. Depending on the diagnosis, you may be referred to an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist as part of a treatment plan.

How long does left arm pain last?

Left arm pain could cause lasting or intermittent pain. 

If a pulled muscle or recent flu shot is to blame, your symptoms should ease over a couple of days to a week. 

If a medication is the reason, talk to your healthcare provider about changing to a different treatment option. If they recommend stopping it, the drug’s side effects should subside a few days after your last dose.

If a heart attack causes the left arm pain, you may experience constant pain that does not stop. It may start at the top of the arm and gradually radiate down the hand, worsening over time. If the pain continues, seek medical attention immediately. Call 911 or go to the nearest hospital as soon as possible. 

Treatment options for left arm pain

You may be wondering how to eliminate left arm pain when many possible causes exist. The treatment approach varies with the underlying cause and other symptoms you may have. Keep reading to learn about various left arm pain treatments.

• Heart attack. If your left arm pain is accompanied by chest pain (angina), sweating, or other potential symptoms of a heart attack, seek medical attention immediately for treatment in the emergency room. This isn’t the time to look to over-the-counter products for help.

• Muscle aches, arthritis, physical injury, or unexplained arm pain. Using over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or ibuprofen can ease discomfort. Stretching and massaging the muscles or joints may also help. Rest your arm, alternate placing heat or ice on the muscle, and regularly time your over-the-counter medications for best results.

• Vaccines. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed for arm pain. The pain should go away within a few days, but contact your healthcare provider for medical care if the pain is unbearable or not subsiding.
• Medications. If you suspect one of your medications is causing arm pain, talk to your healthcare provider. They may suggest reducing the dose or switching you to a different medication.

Preventing left arm pain

There are a variety of ways to prevent arm pain. Stretch before working out or performing strenuous activity to avoid muscle aches. When complete, stretch out your muscles and achieve a cool down from the workout. This can help prevent muscle weakness and soreness. Refrain from using your muscles and be aware of your physical limitations.

To help prevent a heart attack, maintain a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables and exercise consistently. Exercise is essential to keep the heart muscle strong and promote healthy blood flow. Do not smoke or use tobacco, and limit alcohol consumption. Controlling other conditions, such as high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and diabetes, can prevent a heart attack. A simple lifestyle change can be life-saving in some cases.

To reduce your risk of arthritis, be physically active. Be easy on your joints, and do not perform strenuous activity.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to prevent arm pain from a medication or vaccine. Be prepared to recognize common symptoms of arm pain, and let your healthcare provider know if your symptoms persist or become severe.

Most importantly, see a doctor if your left arm pain is accompanied by other heart attack symptoms

Left arm pain causes may include heart attack, arthritis, muscle aches or strains, or could be a side effect of medications or vaccines. The cause of left arm pain may resolve on its own without treatment. However, if pain in the left arm continues, worsens, or is accompanied by chest pain, rapid heartbeat, sweating, or difficulty breathing, it could be a sign of a severe condition or heart problem such as a heart attack and require emergency treatment. Only medical professionals can rule out infection or other severe health conditions.