If your arm pain isn’t going away and is making daily activities difficult for you, knowing the cause can help you find the right relief. However, before we get into the potential reasons for your arm pain, it’s important to know when to seek emergency care.
Keep reading to learn about the common causes of arm pain and when to see a doctor or a pain management specialist for pain relief treatment.
Key Takeaways:
- You should go to the emergency room if you suddenly have intense arm pain that extends to your chest, or if your arm looks deformed.
- Arm pain can be caused by a variety of issues, including injuries, arthritis, nerve compression, and fractures.
- If your arm pain is affecting your daily life, seeking pain relief from a McAllen pain management specialist is a good idea.
When To See a Doctor for Arm Pain
Sometimes, arm pain can heal on its own, especially if it’s because of a minor strain or overuse. However, some symptoms of arm pain can be a sign of a more serious problem that shouldn’t be ignored. If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s time to see a doctor:
When to Go to the Emergency Room
- You suffered a fracture
- Your arm looks deformed
- You’re having trouble breathing
- The area around your joint is swollen or red
- You suddenly have intense pain accompanied by chest pressure or pain
- The pain is spreading to other parts of your body, especially your chest
When to See a Pain Management Specialist
- You’re struggling to move your arm
- You’re uncertain about the cause of your arm pain
- You want non-narcotic and minimally invasive treatment
- You’re dealing with pain that persists for more than a week
- You’re noticing the pain is worsening instead of getting better
- You’re finding it hard to go about your daily activities because of the pain
- You’re not getting relief from home remedies or self-care treatments
Causes of Arm Pain
Whether it’s a minor issue like sore muscles or a more serious problem like a nerve or joint condition, arm pain can happen for different reasons. If the pain doesn’t go away, knowing the cause can help you find the best way to get relief. Here are some common causes of arm pain:
- Cuts – If you have a break in your skin near a nerve, muscle, or joint in your arm, it can cause nerve damage or infection.
- Sprain – This happens when you stretch or tear the tendons or ligaments in your arm.
- Bursitis – Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that help cushion your joints. When the bursae in your shoulder, elbow, or wrist become inflamed, they can cause you to feel severe arm pain.
- Arthritis – This happens when there’s an inflammation in the joints in your arm. It’s usually caused by extra stress on the joints.
- Fractures – When a bone in your arm breaks in one or more places, you’ll likely experience lingering pain or swelling.
- Dislocation – This is a joint injury where the bone in your shoulder, arm, or elbow is forced out of its normal position.
- Nerve Compression – When you have a sudden injury, it can put pressure on your nerves and affect your arm’s movement.
Get Treatment for Arm Pain at 911 Pain Management
If your arm pain isn’t improving or is affecting how you live, a McAllen pain management specialist can help. Whether the pain is from an injury, nerve problem, or a persistent condition, getting the right treatment can make a difference in your recovery.
At 911 Pain Management, we are dedicated to finding the right treatment for your arm pain. Our pain management specialist offers minimally invasive solutions to help relieve arm pain without major surgery. We also offer a variety of treatments for different pain conditions. Schedule an appointment with us today.
