How to Determine the Cause of Left Arm Pain
Nov 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
To determine the cause of left arm pain, consider evaluating the nature of the pain, identifying potential triggers, checking for associated symptoms, assessing the impact of physical activity, and reviewing past medical history, integrating multiple sources of information for a comprehensive assessment. If the pain lasts longer than one week, is severe and intolerable, or accompanied by chest tightness or dizziness, prompt medical attention is recommended. Differentiate between sharp pain, burning pain, aching pain, and throbbing pain.
To determine the cause of left arm pain, a comprehensive assessment can be made by observing the nature of the pain, identifying potential triggers, checking accompanying symptoms, evaluating the impact of physical activity, and reviewing past medical history. If the pain lasts longer than one week, is severe and unbearable, or is accompanied by chest tightness or dizziness, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Observe the nature of the pain: Differentiate between sharp pain, burning pain, aching pain, or throbbing pain. Brief episodes of sharp pain may be related to nerve irritation; persistent aching often indicates muscle strain; burning pain may suggest inflammation or nerve damage—each type pointing to different underlying causes.
2. Identify triggering factors: Recall whether there was any trauma, excessive exercise, heavy lifting, or exposure to cold prior to the onset of pain. Pain occurring after physical activity is often due to muscle strain, while pain worsened by cold exposure may be linked to joint inflammation or poor circulation.
3. Check for accompanying symptoms: Numbness or weakness may indicate nerve compression; swelling and warmth often point to infection or inflammation; chest tightness or palpitations should raise concern for cardiac-related issues; neck discomfort may suggest cervical spine pathology.
4. Evaluate the impact of activity: Observe whether movements such as flexion, extension, or rotation of the arm worsen the pain. Significant limitation in motion may be associated with joint injury or tendonitis, whereas pain occurring only in specific positions is more likely due to localized tissue compression or overuse.
5. Review past medical history: Individuals with a history of cervical spondylosis, arthritis, or heart disease may experience referred pain or complications from these conditions. A thorough evaluation incorporating prior illnesses helps prevent missing potential causes.
In daily life, avoid excessive arm loading and prolonged maintenance of the same posture. During painful episodes, reduce strenuous activities, apply warm compresses appropriately to promote blood circulation, keep the arm warm to prevent cold exposure, and perform gentle exercises to relax muscles and relieve discomfort.
