Why does the arm suddenly become sore?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

In general, sudden arm soreness or pain may be caused by overexertion, poor posture, tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis, periarthritis of the shoulder, and other reasons. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods and ensure adequate rest for the arms; warm up thoroughly before exercising and avoid sudden strenuous exertion; and pay attention to keeping the neck warm.

Generally, sudden arm soreness may be caused by overexertion, poor posture, tennis elbow, cervical spondylosis, or shoulder periarthritis. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Overexertion: After recent exercise or lifting heavy objects, lactic acid accumulation and minor muscle fiber damage in the arm muscles can lead to soreness. Immediately stop weight-bearing activities and allow the arm sufficient rest. Local massage and heat application can help promote the elimination of metabolic byproducts.

2. Poor posture: Prolonged periods of looking down at a phone or working at a desk can cause sustained tension in the arm muscles and impaired blood circulation, resulting in soreness. Adjust your sitting posture, keep arms naturally relaxed, stand up and move around every hour, and perform arm stretching exercises.

3. Tennis elbow: Long-term repetitive use of the wrist and forearm muscles can cause aseptic inflammation of the tendons around the elbow, with pain worsening when making a fist, twisting a towel, or lifting heavy objects. Medications such as diclofenac diethylamine gel, ibuprofen tablets, or naproxen capsules may be used under medical guidance, along with wearing an elastic elbow brace.

4. Cervical spondylosis: Herniated cervical discs compressing nerve roots can cause radiating pain into the arm, often accompanied by numbness and weakness. Under medical supervision, medications such as celecoxib capsules, mecobalamin tablets, or eperisone hydrochloride tablets may be prescribed. In severe cases, anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgery may be required.

5. Shoulder periarthritis: Inflammation and adhesion of soft tissues surrounding the shoulder joint can restrict arm movement and cause soreness. Medications such as etoricoxib tablets, Huoxue Zhitong capsules (blood-activating and pain-relieving capsules), or flurbiprofen gel patches may be used as directed. For cases unresponsive to conservative treatment, shoulder joint release surgery may be considered.

In daily life, avoid maintaining the same posture for prolonged periods and schedule regular arm rest breaks; warm up thoroughly before exercising and avoid sudden strenuous exertion; keep the neck warm to reduce risk factors for cervical spine problems; and seek prompt medical attention for persistent pain to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

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