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Pain in the arms is a common complaint. We use our arms a great deal in everyday life, and the muscles, joints and tendons inside them can all be the cause of this pain. However, arm pain is not always caused by a problem with the arm itself, and may come from elsewhere in the body. In this case, it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. If you feel pain in your left arm in particular, it is important to be vigilant because this can be one of the symptoms of a heart attack. It is therefore important to learn to recognise the symptoms in order to tell if a pain in your arm is a cause for concern, and to know when you should seek urgent medical assistance. Symptoms of left arm painPain in the left arm can be acute (when it comes on suddenly and lasts for a short time) or chronic (when it lasts for over three months). It may come on gradually or suddenly, be severe or moderate, affect only one part of your arm (e.g. under your arm or in your upper arm) or your whole arm. It may also be accompanied by other symptoms (e.g. pain or a tightening sensation in your chest, or pins and needles), which should be taken seriously. Causes of left arm painThe causes of left arm pain can vary. The most well known of these is a heart attack. In this case, the arm pain may be accompanied by pain or a tightening sensation in your chest, pain in your back, neck, shoulder or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or fatigue. Left arm pain can also be caused by angina. This has similar symptoms but they only last for a few minutes. Pain may also be the result of having tense muscles due to stress. Similarly, an injury or a problem affecting your bones, joints or soft tissue (e.g. a fractured shoulder, arm, wrist or hand, shoulder or elbow tendinitis, bursitis, or a slipped disc) can cause arm pain, as can poor blood circulation and sleeping with an incorrect posture. Is it a heart attack?A heart attack happens when the muscles in your heart are starved of oxygen due to a problem with your blood circulation, such as a clot, for example. Pain in the left arm is the best known symptom of a heart attack. When someone is having a heart attack, this pain comes on suddenly, gets worse with exertion and eases off at rest, and is generally accompanied by other symptoms. These might include chest pain or a burning or tightening sensation in the chest, numbness or pain in the arm, back, neck, stomach, or jaw, and nausea, shortness of breath, dizziness or fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms together, you should call for urgent medical assistance as you could be having a heart attack. Treating left arm painIf your left arm pain is benign, you can initially treat it by resting, applying a cold compress to the painful area and elevating your arm. If the pain is caused by a fracture, your arm will have to be immobilised in a plaster cast for several weeks. If it is caused by a musculoskeletal issue (one that affects your bones, joints or soft tissue), treatment may include painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, and physiotherapy. Using one of the OMRON HeatTens range of pain relievers can also help to relieve muscle and joint pain using a combination of soothing heat and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). If the pain is caused by an underlying heart condition, the treatment may involve taking medication for pain relief, in addition to making some radical changes to your lifestyle. Finally, if someone is having a heart attack, they must receive immediate medical treatment because heart attacks can be fatal and sometimes require surgery if medication alone does not dissolve the clot that is causing the problem. References: Wexler, A. (2017). Why do I have a pain in my left arm? Retrieved from www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317652.php Pietrangelo, A. (2016). Why is there pain in my left arm? Retrieved from www.healthline.com/health/pain-in-left-arm#takeaway New Health Guide. What causes pain on the left arm? Retrieved from www.newhealthguide.org/Pain-In-Left-Arm.html
Left arm pain but no chest pain Asked for Male, 26 Years Hello docs! I want to know if heart attack can only cause left arm pain without chest pain? I do feel like little pain in left arm above back elbow area also sometimes the shoulder! Do i need to worry? Can a heart related pain be without chest pain and just arm pain? Thanks Answers (2)Like the answers? Consult privately with the doctor of your choice
Yes it can be. But your pain doesn't seem to be heart related. Heart pain is never localized. Get ECG ECHO TMT done to rule out heart related cause
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The symptoms of heart attack varies. Commonly it's presents as chest pain radiating to either arm. Arm pain alone is unlikely the manifestation of heart attack. Next Steps Test with ECG and ECHO
Let others know if this answer was helpful Was this answer helpful? YES NO Articles you may likeDisclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Articles you may likeTell us what's troubling youTell us what's troubling youDisclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. How do you know if left arm pain is heart related?Seek emergency treatment if you have:. Arm, shoulder or back pain that comes on suddenly, is unusually severe, or is accompanied by pressure, fullness or squeezing in your chest (this may signal a heart attack). An obvious deformity or protruding bone in your arm or wrist, especially if you have bleeding or other injuries.. Why do I have a pain in my lower left arm?Pain in the left arm that comes and goes is a possible sign of a heart attack. However, other conditions, such as an injury or a pinched nerve, can also cause this type of pain. If a person feels short of breath or has discomfort or pain in their chest or upper body, they should call 911 immediately.
Is arm pain without chest pain a heart attack?Not all left arm pain, achiness or difficulty moving is a sign of a heart attack. Sometimes the cause is an injury, compressed nerves or other issues that don't involve your heart. Be mindful of the other symptoms, and if they last for more than a couple minutes, get emergency help.
What part of your left arm hurts when having a heart attack?For men: Pain will spread to the left shoulder, down the left arm or up to the chin. For women: Pain can be much more subtle. It may travel to the left or right arm, up to the chin, shoulder blades and upper back — or to abdomen (as nausea and/or indigestion and anxiety).
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