What Causes Pain In The Left Arm And Underarm?

Posted on Wed, 5 Oct 2016

Question: I have a very strange pain in my left arm. When I undress with a dress or shirt there is place on the underside of my arm that hurts as my sleeve scrapes it. I can't find it any other way. Every time I take any thing off that rubs the spot it hurts. There is no skin abrasion or other damage. Any ideas?
Very helpful. I have a pair of shoes that help- unfortunately they are Keene water shoes... They don't look so great with dresses. I am exercising and changing shoes frequently to reduce aggravation. I bought shoes specifically for my condition and they made the balls of my feet hurt terribly. Sending those back. Thanks for your answer.

Answered by Dr. Vasudha (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly neurogenic pain.Consult an Orthopedic surgeon.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
XXXXX,
Thanks for the query under Health care magic. iI have read & understood your concern.
- Soreness of one sided soreness of underarm .. only after stretching of arm/ friction with shirt on the part... clearly indicates soreness/ irritation of nerve endings supplying the part..As you don't mention any other local problem/ joint involvement I feel following things to be causative in your case.
-Cervical spondylosis ( because of excessive stress to neck -- while working on computer/ typing/ lifting heavy weight)/ injury to neck/genetic factor / being inactive & overweight.)
- Possibly left sided cervical rib
- Osteoporosis ( age related degenerative changes in bone ) can cause bony spurs which can press on nerve .
They can press on the specific nerve fibers in certain body posture.
* In this context, I would suggest a detailed local examination by an Orthopedic surgeon to exclude other causes like local lymph node / shoulder joint involvement causing the trouble , followed by investigations like X ray / MRI of the part to find any bony pressure on the nerve.
Treatment would be-
- Medicines ( anti inflammatory drugs ) / vitamin D & calcium to improve bone health/ physiotherapy /physical therapy/ surgery if the non surgical means are ineffective... to treat either spondylosis or cervical rib/ spur.
I hope that gives sufficient information & help. Any follow up query is welcome..
Thanks.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar