Upper arm pain is usually described as pain, discomfort, or ache on your upper arm (your shoulders down to your elbow). There are numerous reasons why a person can experience this condition. The most common cause of arm pain is injury or trauma, including joint dislocations, bone fractures, muscle sprains, and strains.
The good news is – Upper arm pain is usually not something to worry about. It might be a simple case of muscle overuse. However, in rare instances, unexplained pain in your upper arm could signal a life-threatening condition, such as myocardial infarction (heart attack) and angina pectoris. This article will discuss 12 common causes of upper arm pain with treatment.

Symptoms that accompany upper arm pain
The usual symptoms that occur with arm pain include:
- Arm redness
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Swollen lymph glands under the arm
- Stiffness
- Redness or bruising
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Stiffness
- Tenderness
- Limited range of motion
If your upper arm pain is a symptom of a heart attack, you may notice other symptoms, including:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea
12 Common Causes of Upper Arm Pain with Treatment
1. Rotator Cuff Injuries
Rotator cuff injuries are among the most frequent culprits behind upper arm pain. The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that stabilize your shoulder joint and allow for a wide range of motion. Injuries can occur due to:
- Overuse: If you frequently engage in activities like throwing, swimming, or lifting heavy objects, you may irritate the tendons over time.
- Trauma: A fall or sudden impact can lead to tears in the rotator cuff.
You might experience pain when lifting your arm, weakness in your shoulder, and difficulty reaching overhead. Some people also notice a crackling sensation when they move their shoulder.
Physical therapy is often effective for regaining strength and mobility. Resting the shoulder, applying ice, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair torn tendons or relieve pressure on the rotator cuff.
2. Bursitis
Bursitis occurs when the bursae—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints—become inflamed. This condition often results from repetitive motion or prolonged pressure on the joint.
You may notice swelling, tenderness, and pain in your shoulder that radiates down your upper arm. Activities like reaching for something overhead can exacerbate the discomfort.
Resting the affected area is crucial. Applying ice and taking anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce symptoms. The RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) is often recommended for managing bursitis. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary to alleviate inflammation.
3. Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendons in your shoulder area. It commonly occurs due to repetitive overhead motions or strain from sports activities.
You might feel pain and stiffness around your shoulder joint that worsens with movement. Weakness in your arm when trying to lift it is also common.
Resting the shoulder and avoiding aggravating activities is key. Physical therapy exercises aimed at improving flexibility and strength can be beneficial. Anti-inflammatory medications can help manage pain and swelling.
If you’re someone who enjoys playing tennis or racquetball but suddenly finds it painful to serve or swing your racket, you may be dealing with tendinitis. Taking time off from these activities and focusing on rehabilitation will help you get back on track without causing further injury.
4. Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement happens when part of your shoulder blade puts pressure on the rotator cuff during overhead activities. This condition can lead to inflammation and pain.
You may feel pain when lifting your arm above your head or reaching behind your back; a clicking sensation in your shoulder might also occur.
Physical therapy focusing on strengthening shoulder muscles and improving range of motion is often effective. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve pressure on the rotator cuff or bursa.
Many people experience shoulder impingement as they age or after starting new workout routines that involve overhead movements. If you’ve recently taken up yoga or weightlifting without proper guidance on form, you might find yourself dealing with this frustrating condition.

5. Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
Frozen shoulder is characterized by stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint due to thickening of the capsule surrounding it. This condition often develops gradually and can be triggered by injury or prolonged immobility.
You may experience limited range of motion in your shoulder; pain that worsens at night; difficulty performing daily tasks like dressing or reaching for items.
Physical therapy is essential for regaining movement. Stretching exercises are crucial to prevent stiffness from worsening. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be needed to release tight tissue around the joint.
If you’ve had surgery or an injury that kept you immobile for an extended period, frozen shoulder could develop as a result of disuse. It’s important to stay proactive about movement during recovery—consulting a physical therapist can make all the difference!
6. Arthritis
Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, including those in your shoulder region. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common types that may lead to upper arm pain.
- Osteoarthritis results from wear and tear on cartilage over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition, causes inflammation in joints.
Stiffness, swelling, and pain during movement are common; symptoms may worsen with activity or after periods of inactivity.
Depending on severity, treatment options include physical therapy for strengthening exercises, medications for inflammation and pain relief, and lifestyle changes such as weight management.
If you’re noticing increasing discomfort in your shoulder joint as you age—especially if it feels stiff in the morning—this could be a sign of arthritis setting in. Regular exercise tailored to maintain joint health can help manage symptoms effectively!
7. Fractures
Fractures in the upper arm or shoulder area can result from falls or accidents, causing immediate and severe pain along with swelling and bruising.
Intense pain at the site of injury; inability to move your arm normally; visible deformity in severe cases; swelling around the affected area.
Fractures typically require immobilization with a sling or cast; surgery may be necessary for complex fractures to realign bones properly. Rehabilitation exercises will follow to restore strength and mobility once healing begins.
If you’ve ever taken a tumble while hiking or playing sports only to feel intense pain afterward—especially if there’s swelling—you might have sustained a fracture without realizing it initially! Getting prompt medical attention is crucial for proper healing.
8. Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Thoracic outlet syndrome occurs when blood vessels or nerves are compressed between your collarbone and first rib. This condition can lead to upper arm pain as well as numbness or tingling sensations down your arm.
Pain in your neck and shoulders that radiates down your arms; numbness or weakness in your hands; discomfort that worsens with certain positions (like holding your arms overhead).
Physical therapy focusing on posture improvement and stretching exercises can help alleviate symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on nerves or blood vessels.
If you spend long hours hunched over a computer screen without taking breaks to stretch out your neck and shoulders—you could be setting yourself up for thoracic outlet syndrome! Regular breaks for stretching can go a long way toward preventing this issue.

9. Pinched Nerve
A pinched nerve occurs when surrounding tissues compress a nerve root near your spine. This can lead to referred pain in your upper arm depending on which nerve is affected.
Sharp pain radiating down your arm; numbness or tingling sensations; weakness in muscles supplied by the affected nerve; discomfort that might worsen with certain movements.
Resting the affected area is crucial; physical therapy for strengthening exercises may help alleviate symptoms over time. Anti-inflammatory medications can also provide relief from swelling around nerves.
If you’ve ever felt sudden tingling down one arm after sleeping awkwardly—or experienced shooting pains during certain activities—you might have encountered a pinched nerve! Adjusting how you sit or sleep could make all the difference in preventing recurrence.
10. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances. It can cause discomfort in various body parts including the arms.
Widespread body pain; fatigue; sleep disturbances; tender points throughout your body including arms and shoulders; cognitive difficulties often referred to as “fibro fog.”
A combination of medication (like antidepressants), physical therapy focused on gentle exercise programs tailored for fibromyalgia patients, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), stress management techniques such as mindfulness meditation can help manage symptoms effectively.
11. Gallbladder Disease
Interestingly enough, issues with your gallbladder—such as gallstones—can cause referred pain that manifests as discomfort in your right shoulder or upper arm due to shared nerve pathways between organs.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the upper right abdomen.
- Nausea after eating fatty foods.
- Back pain between your shoulder blades.
- Discomfort radiating down your right arm.
Dietary changes are often recommended; if gallstones are present causing significant issues, surgical removal of the gallbladder (cholecystectomy) might be necessary to prevent further complications.
If you’ve ever noticed discomfort radiating from your abdomen into areas like shoulders after indulging in rich meals—it’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional! Early diagnosis can prevent serious complications down the line!

12. Heart Conditions
In some cases, upper arm pain could signal a serious heart condition such as angina or even a heart attack—especially if accompanied by other symptoms like chest tightness or shortness of breath.
- Angina: This refers to chest discomfort due to reduced blood flow to heart muscles.
- Heart Attack: A heart attack occurs when blood flow to part of your heart is blocked for an extended period causing damage to heart muscle tissue.
Symptoms:
- Pain radiating from chest into one or both arms.
- Shortness of breath.
- Dizziness.
- Sweating.
- Nausea.
If you suspect heart-related issues causing upper arm pain—especially if accompanied by other concerning symptoms—seek immediate medical attention! Early intervention is crucial for heart conditions!
Never underestimate unexplained chest discomfort accompanied by radiating pains into arms! It’s always better safe than sorry when it comes down to matters concerning heart health!
When to See a Doctor?
While many causes of upper arm pain are manageable with home care like rest and ice application, certain situations warrant medical evaluation:
- If you experience sudden severe pain after an injury.
- Persistent pain lasting several weeks without improvement.
- Symptoms associated with heart conditions (e.g., left-arm pain with chest tightness).
- Numbness or weakness affecting daily activities.
FAQs
1. Can poor posture cause upper arm pain?
Poor posture can lead to muscle imbalances and strain, resulting in upper arm pain. Maintaining good posture and practicing proper ergonomics can help prevent this.
2. Are there any home remedies for relieving upper arm pain?
Applying ice packs, performing gentle stretches, and taking over-the-counter pain medication are home remedies that can provide temporary relief. However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
3. When should I seek medical attention for upper arm pain?
If the pain is severe, persistent, accompanied by other concerning symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing, or if it significantly affects daily activities, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
4. How long does it take for upper arm pain to heal?
The healing time for upper arm pain varies depending on the underlying cause and individual factors. Mild cases may resolve within a few days to weeks, while more severe conditions may require several weeks or months of treatment and rehabilitation.