Arm Problems, Noninjury

Topic Overview

Minor arm problems, such as sore muscles, are common. Symptoms often develop from everyday wear and tear or overuse. Arm problems may be minor or serious and may include symptoms such as pain, swelling, cramps, numbness, tingling, weakness, or changes in temperature or color.

Older adults have a greater chance of having arm problems because they lose muscle mass as they age. Children may have arm problems because they are usually more active than adults and their bones and muscles are growing more quickly. They may also have arm problems for the same reasons as adults.

Your arm problem may be caused by sports or hobbies, work-related tasks, and work or projects around the home. Arm problems can also be caused by injuries. If you think your arm problem is caused by an injury, see the topic Arm Injuries.

Common arm problems that are not caused by a specific injury, such as a blow or fall, include the following:

• Overuse or repetitive-motion injuries occur when you "overdo" an activity or repeat the same activity. The repeated activity may stress joints or other tissues and cause pain and swelling. This is called an overuse injury, even though no obvious injury occurred. For example, you may have shoulder pain from throwing a ball or raking leaves. Overuse injuries include bursitis or tendinitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is another example of an overuse injury.
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are common with arthritis. Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) is the most common type of arthritis. Less common types include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Swelling of the hands and arms can be caused by hormone changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy or with premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
• Swelling may also occur after surgery to remove the lymph nodes under the arm following a diagnosis of breast cancer or melanoma. This is called lymphedema.
• Arm problems can occur as symptoms of other more serious problems, such as heart attack, transient ischemic attack (TIA), or stroke. Sometimes the first symptom of a heart attack is pain in the left arm.

Most minor arm problems will usually get better on their own, and home treatment may be all that is needed to relieve symptoms and promote healing.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Arm pain occurs with chest pain that is crushing or squeezing, is getting worse, or occurs with any other symptoms of a heart attack. After calling 911 or other emergency services:
  • If the person becomes unconscious, see Rescue Breathing and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
  • If emergency medical personnel, such as paramedics, are not going to arrive soon and the person is awake, alert, not vomiting, and not allergic to aspirin, have him or her chew and swallow one adult aspirin (325 mg). Be sure to tell emergency personnel that aspirin has been taken.
• Sudden arm weakness occurs with loss of function.
• Sudden severe pain occurs with pale, white, blue, or cold skin that has lasted more than a few minutes.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

If you have any of the following symptoms, evaluate those symptoms first.

• An arm injury: Go to the topic Arm Injuries.
• Arm pain with chest pain: Go to the topic Chest Pain.
• Arm pain with neck pain: Go to the topic Neck Problems and Injuries.
• Arm swelling that you suspect could be caused by an allergic reaction: Go to the topic Allergic Reaction.
• Elbow problem: Go to the topic Elbow Problems, Noninjury.
• Shoulder problem: Go to the topic Shoulder Problems and Injuries.
• Wrist or hand problem: Go to the topic Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury.

Yes

Do you have pain or a cramp in your arm?

See significance of pain or a cramp if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have severe pain?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that is getting worse?

Yes

Do you have ongoing arm pain that is getting worse?

Yes

Do you have a muscle cramp that has not gotten better after 4 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Is a young child carefully protecting or refusing to use his or her arm?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have your muscle cramps occurred more often or gotten worse during the last 24 hours or longer?

Yes

Do you have moderate pain that has not gotten better after 24 hours of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have mild pain when you move or lift your arm and it has not gotten better after 48 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have mild, steady pain without other symptoms, and the pain has not gotten better after 1 week of home treatment?

Yes

Do you have muscle cramps that get better with home treatment but keep coming back (without other symptoms and without getting worse)?

Yes

Have you had cramps on and off for 2 weeks or longer with no other symptoms?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Is your arm swelling?

See significance of swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does the skin on your arm look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold?

Yes

Do you have swelling across two large joints, such as from below the elbow to above the shoulder, and the swelling has come on within the last 4 hours?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had slowly increasing swelling across two large joints?

Yes

Do you have ongoing arm swelling that is getting worse?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have moderate swelling after 48 hours of home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild swelling without other symptoms, and it has not gotten better after 2 weeks of home treatment?

Yes

Have you had long-term swelling that has been checked by your doctor, but the swelling has not gotten better or followed the expected course?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have numbness or tingling in one or both arms?

See significance of numbness or tingling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Has new numbness in one or both arms come on suddenly?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have new steady numbness in one arm?

Yes

Have you had numbness checked by your doctor, but your numbness has gotten worse since you were last checked?

Yes

Do you have new steady tingling in one arm that has not gotten better with home treatment?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had ongoing numbness or tingling that comes and goes and has not been checked by your doctor?

Yes

Have you had numbness or tingling that comes and goes and has been checked by your doctor, but it is now getting worse?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you now have arm weakness or have you had arm weakness in the past?

See significance of arm weakness if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did you have sudden arm weakness with any loss of function, but your symptoms are gone now?

Yes

Do you have arm weakness that began suddenly, but you do not have other symptoms of loss of function?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Are you having trouble doing things at home or at work because of arm weakness?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had mild arm weakness that has not gotten better after 2 weeks of home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Is your arm pale, white, blue, or cold?

See significance of pale, white, blue, or cold arm if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do your fingers or hand look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold? Note: If you have a cast or splint in place, see first aid for a cast or splint that may be too tight.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your arm sometimes look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold, but you have not had your symptoms checked by a doctor?

Yes

Does your arm sometimes look pale, white, or blue, or feel cold, and your symptoms have gotten worse since you were checked by your doctor?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think you have an infection in your arm?

See significance of signs of skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth in your arm?

Yes

Do you have red streaks running up your arm?

Yes

Do you have pus in or around a sore place on your arm?

Yes

Do you have a red, tender lump or bump on your arm?

Yes

Do you have a fever or think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness of less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the affected area for 24 hours or longer?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck or armpit for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have a problem along a vein?

See significance of a problem along a vein if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have tenderness and redness along the length of a vein, and these symptoms have not been checked by a doctor?

Yes

Do you have a red, tender lump inside or over a vein?

Yes

Do you currently have a problem with a vein, and you have had a blood clot in the past?

Yes

Have you recently donated blood or had an IV in place?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Are your symptoms now the same as symptoms you have seen your doctor for in the past, and these symptoms have not gotten better with your doctor's recommended home treatment?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think your arm problem may be caused by a medicine?

See significance of a medicine causing an arm problem if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you think a medicine is causing your arm problem?

Note: If your answer is Yes:

• Call your doctor who prescribed the medicine before taking another dose. The medicine may need to be stopped or changed, or the dose adjusted. An appointment may not be necessary.
• If you are taking any medicine not prescribed by a doctor, stop taking the medicine. If you feel you need to continue taking the medicine, call your doctor to discuss it.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Insect bites or stings: Go to the topic Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites.
• Rash: Go to the topics:
  • Rash, Age 11 and Younger.
  • Rash, Age 12 and Older.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

If your arm problem does not require an evaluation by a doctor, you may be able to use home treatment to help relieve pain, swelling, stiffness or muscle cramps.

Home treatment for arm pain, swelling, or stiffness

• Rest and protect a stiff or sore area. Stop, change, or take a break from any activity that may be causing your pain or soreness.
• Ice will reduce pain and swelling. Apply ice or cold packs immediately to prevent or minimize swelling. Apply the ice or cold pack for 10 to 20 minutes, 3 or more times a day.
  • For the first 48 hours, avoid things that might increase swelling, such as hot showers, hot tubs, hot packs, or alcoholic beverages.
  • After 48 to 72 hours, if swelling is gone, apply heat and begin gentle exercise with the aid of moist heat to help restore and maintain flexibility. Some experts recommend alternating between heat and cold treatments.
• Compression, or wrapping the sore area with an elastic bandage (such as an Ace wrap), will help decrease swelling. Don't wrap it too tightly, as this can cause more swelling below the affected area. Loosen the bandage if it gets too tight. Signs that the bandage is too tight include numbness, tingling, increased pain, coolness, or swelling in the area below the bandage. Talk to your doctor if you think you need to use a wrap for longer than 48 to 72 hours; a more serious problem may be present.
• Elevate the painful area on pillows while applying ice and anytime you are sitting or lying down. Try to keep the area at or above the level of your heart to help minimize swelling.
• Remove rings, bracelets, watches, or any other jewelry from your hand and arm. It will be more difficult to remove the jewelry later if swelling increases. Swelling without removal of jewelry can cause other serious problems, such as compression of nerves or restriction of blood flow.
• Wear a sling if it makes you more comfortable and supports the area. If you feel you need to use a sling for more than 48 hours, discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
• Gently massage or rub the area to relieve pain and encourage blood flow. Do not massage the area if it causes pain.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking slows healing because it decreases blood supply and delays tissue repair. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.

Home treatment for muscle cramps

• Gently stretch the cramping muscle.
• If you do not have swelling, you may rub or gently massage the cramp.
• If you think your muscle cramps are brought on by exercise, heat, or dehydration, drink some extra water. If available, drink an electrolyte replacement drink (such as Gatorade, Pedialyte, or Rehydralyte) diluted with water to half strength. These drinks will help replace sugar, salt, and other minerals. Be sure to read and follow any label warnings. Avoid drinks that contain caffeine or alcohol, which will cause water loss from the body.
• Move your arms and flex your fingers and hands. Gentle motion may help with cramps brought on by exercise.
• Make sure you are getting enough minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Most people get enough minerals eating a normal variety of foods. Talk with your doctor about taking extra calcium.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• You are unable to use your arm normally.
• Signs of infection develop.
• Numbness or tingling develops.
• Cool, pale skin develops.
• Movement is not improving.
• Symptoms continue after 1 to 2 weeks of home treatment.
• Symptoms become more frequent or more severe.

Prevention

The following tips may prevent arm problems.

General prevention tips

• Warm up well and stretch before any activity. Stretch after exercise to keep hot muscles from shortening and cramping.
• Drink extra water before and during exercise, or drink an electrolyte replacement drink (such as Gatorade) after exercise, especially during hot or humid weather.
• Use the correct movements and positions during activities so that you do not strain your muscles.
• Use equipment that is right for your size, strength, and ability.
• Try not to overuse your arm doing repeated movements that can cause an injury. In your daily routines or when doing hobbies, look at how often you make repeated arm movements. Try to find other ways of using your arms.
• Take lessons to learn how to do sports correctly. Have a trainer or person who is familiar with the sport check your gear to make sure it is right for your level of ability, body size, and body strength.
• If you think that something you do at work is causing pain or soreness from overuse, call your human resources department for information on other ways of doing your job or to discuss equipment modifications or other job assignments.

Keep bones strong

• Eat healthy foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and dark green, leafy vegetables like broccoli. For more information, see the topic Healthy Eating.
• Exercise and stay active. Talk to your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you. Begin slowly, especially if you have been inactive. For more information, see the topic Fitness.
• Do not drink more than 1 alcoholic drink a day. Drinking alcohol increases your chances of having weak bones (osteoporosis). It also increases your chances of falling.
• Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking increases your chances of having osteoporosis. It also causes problems with the blood supply in your arms and slows healing. For more information, see the topic Quitting Tobacco Use.
• Cut down on caffeine. Caffeine in coffee and soda pop may increase calcium loss from your body and put you at risk for osteoporosis.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• What are your main symptoms?
• How long have you had your symptoms?
• When did you first notice your symptoms? What were you doing when the symptoms started?
• Have you had a problem like this before? When? How was it treated? Did the problem go away completely, or do you have ongoing problems?
• Does anyone else in your family have a problem like this?
• What activities, related to sports, work, or your lifestyle, make your symptoms better or worse?
• Do you think that activities related to your job or hobbies caused your symptoms?
• What home treatment have you tried? Did it help?
• What prescription and nonprescription medicines you have taken? Did they help?
• Do you use alcohol or illegal drugs to make your arm feel better?
• Do you have any health risks?

Related Information

• Allergic Reaction
• Arm Injuries
• Bursitis
• Chest Pain
• Dehydration
• Elbow Problems, Noninjury
• Finger, Hand, and Wrist Problems, Noninjury
• Insect Bites and Stings and Spider Bites
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)
• Neck Problems and Injuries
• Osteoarthritis
• Quitting Tobacco Use
• Rash, Age 11 and Younger
• Rash, Age 12 and Older
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Shoulder Problems and Injuries
• Stroke
• Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
• Weakness and Fatigue