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What are the Most Common Causes of Arm Pain in Women?

A. Pasbjerg
A. Pasbjerg

There is a variety of issues commonly to blame for arm pain in women. Injuries to the shoulder, elbow, or forearm are frequently to blame. Overuse, particularly in the woman's stronger arm, can often lead to ongoing discomfort. Arthritis in one or more joints in the arm is another common problem. Women are particularly likely to develop pain in their left arm when they are having a heart attack or other issues with the circulatory system.

Women's arm pain is often the result of an injury to the joints, muscles, or nerves there. Car accidents, falls, or blunt trauma can cause problems ranging from severe strains to a dislocated shoulder to a broken bone. Sports injuries such as pulled muscles, strained tendons or ligaments, and damaged rotator cuffs are also common culprits. Injuries such as burns, cuts, and abrasions on the arms may also be painful.

Forearm injuries are a common cause of arm pain in women.
Forearm injuries are a common cause of arm pain in women.

Another common cause of arm pain in women is simple overuse. This may be particularly problematic in one arm if it is stronger and therefore used more than the other. Overuse may occur due to a single instance where the woman is doing something physically strenuous like lifting a heavy weight, or it may be the result of doing the same repetitive motion over and over for a long period of time. It may involve acute strain to the muscles, joints, or connective tissues, or it could result in a longer term issue, like carpal tunnel syndrome, that affects the nerves.

Women with severe arm pain may have a broken arm, requiring an x-ray of the injured arm.
Women with severe arm pain may have a broken arm, requiring an x-ray of the injured arm.

Arthritis is another problem that frequently leads to arm pain in women. The condition can lead to the breakdown of cartilage and inflammation in any joint, so it may attack the shoulder, elbow, or wrist, as well as any of the finger joints. As the disease progresses, the joints can become more and more damaged and deformed, leading to increasing, chronic pain.

Arthritis frequently leads to arm pain in women.
Arthritis frequently leads to arm pain in women.

One potentially serious cause of arm pain in women is heart disease. Women are more likely than men to experience pain radiating down their left arm when they are having a heart attack, though they may notice discomfort in their arm well before getting to that point. It may also be an extension of angina, or pain in the chest caused by decreased amounts of blood reaching the heart. In some cases, arm pain can also indicate poor circulation and insufficient blood getting to the tissues of the arms.

Discussion Comments

serenesurface

Repetitive movements cause arm pain too, like typing or working in an assembly line. I have tendinitis in my wrist because of typing and its causing arm pain. My doctor said that it's from overuse and repeating the same movement. I have to wear a wrist brace, use cold packs and rest. I've also been applying a topical anti-inflammatory cream and pain reliever. I feel much better than I did a few days ago but I think it's going to take another few days for the pain to go away completely.

ZipLine

@ysmina-- Considering the rate of heart disease in the US, I think that arm pain as a symptom of a heart attack should be taken seriously.

My neighbor went to the hospital with arm pain recently as well and it turned out he was having a heart attack. Especially those over forty and those who already have a chronic condition like high blood pressure and cholesterol need to take this symptom seriously. I heard that it's possible to have a heart attack even without these risk factors. So if the underlying cause of the arm isn't clear, it's probably a good idea to see a doctor and get checked out just in case.

ysmina

Whenever my mom has arm pain, she thinks that there is a problem with her heart and she panics. Last time, she did the same thing. We rushed to the hospital and it turned out to be just a sprain. She had started new arm exercises but did not even think of that when the arm pain started. It's not a good idea to panic when arm pain occurs. One should calmly think about what the cause might be.

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    • Forearm injuries are a common cause of arm pain in women.
      By: ruigsantos
      Forearm injuries are a common cause of arm pain in women.
    • Women with severe arm pain may have a broken arm, requiring an x-ray of the injured arm.
      By: Silvia Crisman
      Women with severe arm pain may have a broken arm, requiring an x-ray of the injured arm.
    • Arthritis frequently leads to arm pain in women.
      By: Tracy Whiteside
      Arthritis frequently leads to arm pain in women.
    • Overuse of the arm muscles may cause muscle strain.
      By: Monkey Business
      Overuse of the arm muscles may cause muscle strain.
    • Ice packs can be used to treat arm pain.
      By: michelaubryphoto
      Ice packs can be used to treat arm pain.
    • Elbow injuries are common for women with arm pain.
      By: Konstantin Yuganov
      Elbow injuries are common for women with arm pain.
    • People experiencing arm pain might find relief taking a warm bath.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      People experiencing arm pain might find relief taking a warm bath.