What Causes Sharp Pain In Upper Inner Left Arm?

Posted on Tue, 25 Aug 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 25 Aug 2015 Answered on

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : SHARP PAIN IN UPPER INNER LEFT ARM

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice.

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you for asking!
I read your query and understood your concerns.

Usually a sharp pain localised in the upper left arm is of musculoskeletal origin and as a such it's harmless. In these cases the pain has the following characteristics:
- it's influenced by hand movement
- it is relieved by NSAID ( advil )
- it will last hours even days

However in rare cases it may be a sign of atypical cardiac, abdominal or pulmonary problems.

If you were my patient I would recommend to take advil to relieve the pain. If the pain isn't relieved within 1 hour you should go to ER to exclude cardiac issues.

On that occasion I would recommend to do the following examinations to find out what is causing your pain:
- ecg
- cardiac echo
- chest x ray
- abdominal ultrasound

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Benard Shehu (5 minutes later)

PAIN LAST ONLY FOR 2-3 SECONDS ,MAY COME BACK IN WEEK OR LONGER

Answered by Dr. Benard Shehu (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Following advice...

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

You shouldn't worry for the pain. It's typical for muscular cramps and as a such it's harmless and is caused by electrolyte imbalance. This is why i strongly suggest to take electrolyte supplements to relieve your symptoms.

Hope this was of help!
Wish you health!
Dr. Shehu

Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar