What causes pain in the upper arm muscles?
Mar 27, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lin Yunfei
Introduction
Arm muscle pain is caused by physiological and pathological factors. Intense exercise produces large amounts of lactic acid, which accumulates in the muscles and causes pain. When arm muscles remain in a tense state without adequate rest, localized aseptic inflammation may develop, leading to muscle strain. Degeneration of shoulder joint soft tissues and reduced load-bearing capacity can result in periarthritis of the shoulder (frozen shoulder), causing shoulder pain. The pain may gradually spread and radiate to the upper arm.
Generally, pain in the upper arm muscles may be caused by physiological factors or pathological conditions, such as muscle strain or shoulder periarthritis. It is recommended to seek medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the exact cause. The specific analysis is as follows:
I. Physiological Factors
Intense physical activity can lead to excessive lactic acid buildup in the arm muscles. If lactic acid is not promptly eliminated, it accumulates within the muscles and irritates the local tissue, resulting in upper arm pain. This condition typically does not require special treatment. Adequate rest is advised, along with local heat application and massage to promote symptom relief.
II. Pathological Factors
1. Muscle Strain
Excessive or intense use of the upper arm muscles, or maintaining a static posture for prolonged periods, can keep the muscles in a constant state of tension without sufficient recovery, leading to localized aseptic inflammation—commonly known as muscle strain—and causing pain in the upper arm. It is recommended to undergo treatments such as infrared therapy or ultrasound under medical guidance to improve local blood circulation, relax the muscles, support tissue repair, and alleviate symptoms.
2. Shoulder Periarthritis (Frozen Shoulder)
Prolonged overuse of the shoulder joint or poor posture may lead to degeneration of shoulder soft tissues and reduced tolerance, resulting in shoulder periarthritis and causing shoulder pain. As the condition progresses, the pain may gradually spread and radiate down to the upper arm, causing muscle pain in that area. Under medical supervision, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, loxoprofen sodium capsules, or diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets are recommended to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
In addition to the above causes, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease may also lead to similar symptoms. Active treatment under medical guidance is recommended to prevent worsening of the condition.
