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What are the Most Common Causes of Arm Muscle Pain?

Dan Cavallari
Dan Cavallari

Arm muscle pain is most commonly caused by injury, such as muscle strains, muscle tears or ruptures, and direct trauma to the muscle. Other common causes of arm muscle pain include overuse of the muscles and even a lack of conditioning of the muscle. In some cases, a pain that may feel like arm muscle pain may actually be caused by something else entirely, such as tendon pain, ligament pain, and even nerve pain. A doctor's visit may be in order to obtain a proper diagnosis, especially if the pain persists for more than a few days or if the pain worsens over time.

Muscle strains are perhaps the most common causes of arm muscle pain. Such an injury occurs when the arm muscles bear a burden they are not prepared to handle, or the muscles are twisted beyond their means. The result is tearing in the tiny fibers that make up the muscle, leading to pain, soreness, or tenderness. Minor muscle strains can be treated with the RICE treatment — Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation — and are considered a fairly minor injury that does not necessarily require the sufferer to cease all physical activity. More severe strains, however, may be more painful and should be treated with caution to avoid worsening the injury. If the pain is intense, the sufferer should cease all physical activity and attempt to treat the injury with the RICE treatment.

Muscle tears may cause arm muscle pain.
Muscle tears may cause arm muscle pain.

A muscle rupture occurs when a muscle separates entirely from the tendons connecting it to bone, or from itself. This is a painful injury that will be readily apparent because not only will the pain be intense, but also the appearance of the arm will change; the muscle can sometimes bunch up at one end of its length, and bruising and swelling is likely to occur quickly. This is considered a serious injury and anyone suffering from such an injury should seek medical attention immediately. A surgery may be necessary to repair the ruptured muscle.

Tendon, ligament, or nerve pain may all be confused with muscle pain.
Tendon, ligament, or nerve pain may all be confused with muscle pain.

More common arm muscle pain causes include overuse and underuse of the muscles. People who are very active will experience soreness or tenderness when the muscles have been overused; this is common during long athletic activities or when one is attempting to build muscle. Such arm muscle pain often goes away within a day or two, and rest and stretching usually speeds the recovery process. Not using the muscles enough can also lead to pain, since weaker muscles are more likely to become tired quickly, and tired muscles are more likely to tighten, thereby leading to pain or discomfort.

Discussion Comments

stoneMason

I think my arms were underused before because I've been having a lot of muscle pain in my arms since I stared lifting weights. I'm not lifting a lot and my doctor also confirmed that I haven't strained or ruptured anything. I guess the pain will go away when my muscles strengthen and get used to working.

turquoise

@ddljohn-- I think that you need to see a doctor. It might be a muscle strain from overuse. Do you work with your hands? Resting, using a cold compress and taking anti-inflammatory medications will help.

It could also be something else entirely, not relating to the muscles. For example, carpal tunnel syndrome causes these symptoms and it is due to nerve damage, not muscle damage. In fact, tingling and numbness usually happens when the nerves are affected, not muscles. So, you should speak to your doctor about this.

ddljohn

For the past week, I've been experiencing muscle pain in my left arm and left hand. Sometimes, there is also tingling and numbness.

I haven't injured myself, so what might be the cause?

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    • Muscle tears may cause arm muscle pain.
      By: stryjek
      Muscle tears may cause arm muscle pain.
    • Tendon, ligament, or nerve pain may all be confused with muscle pain.
      By: ArTo
      Tendon, ligament, or nerve pain may all be confused with muscle pain.
    • Strains, tears or ruptures can cause arm muscle pain.
      By: praisaeng
      Strains, tears or ruptures can cause arm muscle pain.
    • Overuse of muscles may cause arm muscle pain.
      By: unclepodger
      Overuse of muscles may cause arm muscle pain.
    • Rest will be helpful in the treatment of arm muscle pain.
      By: jeep5d
      Rest will be helpful in the treatment of arm muscle pain.
    • A doctor's visit may be necessary to find the exact cause of muscle pain.
      By: Monkey Business
      A doctor's visit may be necessary to find the exact cause of muscle pain.