Rufus R. Noble Various causes, including nerve damage, may cause left arm pain with no chest pain. These conditions can lead to arm swelling, throbbing, numbness, and discomfort.
The type of pain may help a doctor determine the root of the problem. For instance, it could be a mild ache or a sharper, more stabbing pain.
In certain instances, people may also feel numbness or weakness in the arm. The arm might be a challenge for someone to move or lift.
Below, we will look at some medical issues that can cause left arm pain and the accompanying symptoms but not chest pain. Since the problem can cause concern, we explain when medical attention is needed.
How to get assistance
There are a few causes for left arm pain that is not chest pain and should be treated by a physician.
The cause of left arm pain and chest pain could range from moderate to extreme. Anyone who suspects they suffer from an attack or stroke should seek emergency medical attention.
Based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, The signs stroke can be a symptoms of stroke could be sudden such as:
- Numbness or weakness can be felt in the face or limbs, typically on the opposite or the other
- difficulties in balancing or difficulty walking
- dizziness and confusion
- difficulties speaking
- A severe, severe headache
The most common signs of a heart attack include arm tension in the chest or an ache. Heart attacks may be experienced in a variety of ways. Females are not the only ones to suffer various symptoms or even more.
It is essential to seek urgent medical attention in the event of an osteoporosis fracture that may result from trauma that could result from a car crash or sports injury, for instance.
If not, seek medical attention to treat left-arm pain, which continues or worsens with time.
Causes
Below, find out what might cause arm pain in the left without chest pain and other symptoms to watch for.
Injury
Left arm pain could be the result of an injury to the bone or muscle injury. The pain could be due to damage in another area, for example, in the hand or wrist.
Trauma, for example, due to a crash, fall, or contact sport, is the most common cause of these injuries.
As per the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, this kind of injury usually is associated with:
- bruising
- swelling
- Weakness or numbness in the arm
- The arm is brutal to move
The best treatment is determined by the degree that the injury has. If a bone is broken, the patient could be offered an X-ray or a casting at an office or hospital.
To ease discomfort, a physician will suggest or prescribe medication and ways to treat the pain at home. They can also recommend support equipment, like braces, to help heal the patient.
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is a broad term that refers to conditions that harm the nerves part of the peripheral nerve system. It could affect nerves running through the arms, which can cause numbness and pain within the component.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be described as a kind of neuropathy in the peripheral nerve. It is a cause of wrist pain that typically results from continuous computer usage.
The signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy can vary dependent on the area affected. However, they could include:
- Tingling and numbness
- Sensitivity has been increased or decreased
- difficulties in coordination
- Stabbing or burning pain
- muscles weak
- The muscles are twitching and cramping
Many medications, such as certain antidepressants, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory drugs — can help or alleviate the symptoms.
Cervical the stenosis
Cervical condition stenosis is a condition that causes a narrowing of the spinal canal inside the neck. This puts pressure on nerves. It can cause weakness and pain in the arms.
When it’s affecting arms, pain can appear to be escalating up and down. Doctors advise medication as well as physical therapy to aid.
In the more severe stages of cervical stenosis, it may cause additional issues, such as bowel or bladder dysfunction. If this is the case, surgery could be required to relieve the pressure on the nerves.
Poor circulation
A lack of circulation is a term used to describe the disruption of blood flow. Pressure on the arms, for instance, may restrict blood flow to the region and lead to discomfort, tingling, or discomfort.
In this scenario, signs of poor circulation can be resolved rapidly. For instance, the awkward position of the sleeping posture can lead to intermittent problems with circulation.
In other situations, the cause of poor circulation could be a heart issue, for example, a heart condition.
A treatment strategy for heart disease typically involves:
- Altering the diet.
- Becoming more physically active.
- Stopping smoking and taking prescribed medicines for heart conditions, like beta-blockers or ACE inhibitors.
Headache caused by hemiplegia and migraine
Hemiplegic migraine headaches are a scarce condition that can cause symptoms on the opposite facet of our body, like a severe, painful headache that throbs on the other side of the head.
Patients suffering from migraine headaches hemiplegic might be afflicted by the following:
- weak face or the limbs on one side
- issues with seeing clearly or seeing at all
- Numbness and tingling on the leg or arm of one
- trouble speaking
- confusion
- coordination issues
- Drowsiness
- nausea and vomiting
- Sensitivity to light
There are many treatments available to aid, including anti-seizure medication and beta-blockers.
Diagnosis
A physician will ask questions about your symptoms, such as the pain experienced and the time it started. They can also examine the region for bruising, swelling, or other color changes.
They could then require further tests, like medical imaging, which will look for damage to muscles or bones.
If a doctor suspects a heart issue, they could require an electrocardiogram to observe the heart’s activities.
