Left Arm Pain: What Does It Mean?
TLDR
Left arm pain can result from an injury or be an early sign of a heart attack, among other possible causes. If you have persistent or recurring left arm pain, our pain management doctors in New York can evaluate the cause and help you find relief.
Do you have pain in your upper left arm between your elbow and shoulder?
Left arm pain can be unpleasant and may leave you wondering what’s behind it or why exactly it’s the left arm.
Our experienced pain management doctors in New York see patients with left arm pain often and can assess you to determine what might be causing it.
Why Does Your Left Arm Hurt?
Left arm pain can stem from the arm itself or result from another condition. Here are some common causes:
Injuries
You may have injured your arm. Strains, sprains, tendinitis, and other musculoskeletal injuries can happen while playing sports, exercising, doing repetitive motions, lifting heavy objects, or in an accident.
Injuries to your arm may also cause you to experience swelling, tenderness, weakness, or difficulty moving your arm.
Can Anxiety Cause Left Arm Pain?
Yes, anxiety can sometimes contribute to left arm pain. Anxiety and stress can cause muscle tension, tingling, and other physical sensations. They can also heighten your awareness of pain or make mild sensations feel more noticeable, especially when you are worried about the cause.
Can Poor Circulation Cause Left Arm Pain?
Poor circulation can cause pain, numbness, tingling, or unusual sensations in an arm. Sleeping on your arm can temporarily compress blood vessels and nerves, causing these symptoms. They usually improve once the pressure is relieved.
Can Angina Cause Left Arm Pain?
Angina occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen-rich blood. It can cause chest discomfort that spreads to the arm, shoulder, neck, jaw, or back. With stable angina, you may feel dull pain in the left arm that comes and goes, often during physical activity or stress, and improves with rest.
Can a Heart Attack Cause Left Arm Pain?
Yes. A heart attack can cause pain that spreads from the chest into one or both arms, shoulder, back, neck, or jaw. Some people, particularly women, older adults, and people with diabetes, may experience left arm pain but little to no chest pain.
What Are the Common Symptoms of a Heart Attack?
Heart attack symptoms vary, but common warning signs can signal a medical emergency and require immediate care. These include:
- Chest pressure, squeezing, or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Cold sweats
- Nausea or vomiting
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Unusual fatigue
How Is Left Arm Pain Treated in New York?
At Hadi Pain Associates in Brooklyn, Hempstead, and Long Beach, NY, we tailor treatment for left arm pain to its cause. Our pain management doctors will review your symptoms, medical history, and physical activity to determine the next steps to feeling pain-free.
Schedule an appointment for prompt evaluation and care for your left arm pain.
Key Takeaways
- Left arm pain can start in the arm itself or stem from another condition.
- Left arm pain with heart attack symptoms requires immediate emergency care.
- Our pain management doctors at Hadi Pain Associates in Brooklyn, Hempstead, and Long Beach evaluate and treat left arm pain.
Sources
- https://hadipainassociates.com/
- https://hadipainassociates.com/services/pain-management/sports-injuries-new-york/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/left-arm-pain-anxiety
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/symptoms-causes/syc-20369373
- https://hadipainassociates.com/services/medical-services/heart-disease/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106
- https://hadipainassociates.com/locations/brooklyn
- https://hadipainassociates.com/locations/hempstead/
- https://hadipainassociates.com/locations/long-beach/