What Causes Arm Pain?
Arm pain can arise from a wide range of issues, affecting the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. Identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment. Common causes include:
- Overuse injuries: Repetitive motions from sports, work, or hobbies can lead to conditions like tendinitis or bursitis.
- Traumatic injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and severe sprains often result from falls, accidents, or direct impact.
- Nerve compression: Conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical radiculopathy (pinched nerve in the neck), and thoracic outlet syndrome can cause radiating pain, numbness, and tingling.
- Arthritis: Degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or inflammatory autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can affect the joints in the arm.
- Referred pain: Pain can be caused by a problem in another part of the body, such as a heart attack, where pain is felt in the left arm, or a herniated disc in the neck.
The First Step: Consulting Your Primary Care Physician
For many, the most logical first step for unexplained or non-severe arm pain is a visit to their primary care physician (PCP). A PCP can perform an initial physical examination, evaluate symptoms, and review medical history to determine the likely cause. Their broad knowledge allows them to identify straightforward issues and rule out potentially serious conditions like a heart attack. Depending on their findings, they can recommend a specialist or provide an initial treatment plan. Starting with a PCP is often the most efficient route, especially if your insurance requires a referral to see a specialist.
When to Go Straight to a Specialist or Emergency Care
For severe pain or specific symptoms, you may need to seek more immediate or specialized care. You should head to an urgent care or emergency room if you experience any of the following:
- Severe, sudden pain, especially following a fall or traumatic event.
- Visible deformity of the arm, shoulder, or elbow.
- Loss of sensation or inability to move the arm or hand.
- Pain accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath, or dizziness (potential heart attack).
Specialized Doctors for Arm Pain
Depending on the diagnosis, your PCP may refer you to one of the following specialists. In some cases, you may be able to book an appointment directly, depending on your insurance plan.
Orthopedic Specialists
Orthopedists specialize in diagnosing and treating problems of the musculoskeletal system, including bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. An orthopedist is often the best choice for arm pain stemming from:
- Injuries: Fractures, dislocations, and rotator cuff tears.
- Overuse conditions: Severe tendinitis or bursitis that doesn't respond to conservative treatment.
- Chronic joint problems: Conditions like osteoarthritis affecting the elbow or shoulder. Some orthopedists specialize further in the upper extremity, including the hand, wrist, and elbow.
Sports Medicine Physicians
Sports medicine doctors focus on injuries and pain resulting from sports, exercise, or repetitive stress. While many are also orthopedic surgeons, primary care sports medicine specialists can be an excellent first stop, as they are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions and often help direct you to the right care. They can create tailored rehabilitation plans, often working with physical therapists.
Rheumatologists
A rheumatologist treats autoimmune and inflammatory disorders that can cause joint pain and swelling, such as rheumatoid arthritis. If your arm pain is accompanied by systemic symptoms, like chronic stiffness in the morning, a rheumatologist is the appropriate specialist.
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R) Specialists
Also known as physiatrists, these doctors focus on restoring function and reducing pain for patients with musculoskeletal injuries or chronic conditions. They specialize in non-surgical treatments and often oversee physical therapy and other rehabilitation services.
Comparing Arm Pain Specialists
| Aspect | Primary Care Physician (PCP) | Orthopedic Specialist | Physical Therapist (PT) | Rheumatologist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Role | First point of contact, initial diagnosis, referrals | Specialized diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal issues | Rehabilitation, strength, mobility restoration | Diagnosis and management of inflammatory/autoimmune conditions |
| Focus Area | Broad, general health | Bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles | Function and movement improvement | Chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases |
| Best for... | New, unexplained pain; determining next steps | Injuries (fractures, tears), severe arthritis, complex musculoskeletal issues | Post-injury rehab, restoring range of motion, chronic muscle pain | Arm pain linked to systemic inflammation, stiffness, or autoimmune disorders |
| Treatment Methods | Initial guidance, medication, referral | Surgical and non-surgical options, injections, physical therapy | Exercise, manual therapy, modalities, patient education | Medications to manage inflammatory conditions |
The Diagnostic Process for Arm Pain
Once you see a healthcare provider, the diagnostic process will involve several steps to pinpoint the exact cause of your arm pain:
- Medical History and Physical Exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, daily activities, and any previous injuries. They will then perform a physical assessment to check range of motion, strength, and identify areas of tenderness.
- Imaging Tests: To visualize the internal structures, a doctor may order various imaging scans.
- X-ray: Shows images of the bones to check for fractures or arthritis.
- MRI or CT scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues, such as tendons, ligaments, and nerves.
- Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to examine soft tissue and joint issues.
- Nerve Tests: If a nerve issue is suspected, your doctor might order tests like nerve conduction studies or an electromyography (EMG) to assess nerve function.
- Blood Tests: These can check for signs of infection or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Conclusion: Making the Right Choice for Your Arm Pain
Finding the best doctor for arm pain starts with understanding your symptoms and seeking the most appropriate level of care. For initial assessment, your primary care physician is a trusted starting point. For more severe or chronic issues, or for pain related to specific activities, an orthopedic specialist, physical therapist, sports medicine physician, or rheumatologist may be needed. Always seek emergency medical care for symptoms that could indicate a serious condition, such as a heart attack or severe injury. By consulting the right professional and undergoing the necessary diagnostic tests, you can get the correct diagnosis and begin a personalized treatment plan to relieve your arm pain and restore function.
For additional information on arm injuries and rehabilitation, a helpful resource is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' OrthoInfo website.
