What causes pain in the breast and underarm area?

Apr 10, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yu Xiaopeng
Introduction
Breast and underarm pain may be caused by physiological or pathological factors. It could result from intense exercise, leading to excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the upper limbs. It might also occur due to lack of warm-up before exercise, sudden stopping of movements during exercise, or excessive stretching force, causing muscle strain. Additionally, it could be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, as this condition often leads to breast lumps and associated pain or discomfort.

In general, breast and axillary pain may be caused by physiological factors, or by pathological conditions such as muscle strain or mammary gland hyperplasia. A detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Physiological Factors

Pain may result from intense physical activity, especially exercises involving extensive upper limb movement, leading to excessive accumulation of lactic acid in the upper limbs and causing bodily discomfort. Adequate rest and appropriate warm compresses can help alleviate symptoms.

II. Pathological Factors

1. Muscle Strain

This may occur due to lack of warm-up before exercise, sudden stops during physical activity, or excessive pulling force, resulting in muscle strain in the upper limbs, back, shoulders, or other areas, which can cause chest pain. Protecting the affected area and getting sufficient rest can help improve symptoms.

2. Mammary Gland Hyperplasia

Pain might also be caused by mammary gland hyperplasia, a condition primarily triggered by hormonal imbalances in the body. It often leads to breast lumps and causes pain or discomfort. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as acetaminophen tablets, meloxicam tablets, or ibuprofen capsules to relieve pain.

In addition, conditions such as fibroadenoma of the breast or breast cancer could also be potential causes. Relevant examinations usually help identify the underlying cause, and following targeted treatments as directed by a physician can lead to improvement of the condition.