Show
— Written By Healthgrades Editorial Staff Updated on December 13, 2020 What is underarm pain?Underarm pain refers to pain of the underside of the arm or the armpit (axilla). Anyone can experience underarm pain, which can be the result of injury, infection or inflammation. Underarm pain may also be a type of referred pain, which is pain perceived far from the site of injury. For example, in the case of angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart, you may feel underarm pain in addition to chest pain. Treatment for underarm pain depends on the exact cause and severity. Mild pain may go away with time. If underarm pain is related to a muscle strain, home remedies, such as cold compresses, and over-the-counter pain medication may help to treat the pain. In more serious cases, underarm pain may require other treatment, such as physical therapy, surgery, or prescription medications. Frequent causes of underarm pain include muscle strains, pinched nerves, and minor injuries. Underarm pain may also result from a viral infection, an infection of the soft tissues of the underarm itself, or an inflammatory condition. In rare cases, underarm pain may also be linked to a growth, such as a cyst or tumor. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if your underarm pain feels like pressure or squeezing and radiates through the chest, as underarm pain may be referred pain from a serious underlying heart condition such as coronary heart disease (narrowing of blood vessels that bring blood to the heart). If your underarm pain is persistent or causes you concern, seek prompt medical care. What causes underarm pain?Underarm pain may arise from any injury or inflammation of the underarm. It may also be referred pain from the chest, which may occur with serious coronary conditions. Common causes of underarm painUnderarm pain may be caused by minor injuries or inflammation of the underarm including:
Other causes of underarm painUnderarm pain can also be caused by many other conditions including:
Serious or life-threatening causes of underarm painIn some cases, underarm pain may be a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. These include:
Questions for diagnosing the cause of underarm painTo diagnose your condition, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions related to your underarm pain including:
What are the potential complications of underarm pain?Underarm pain may simply go away with time. It may also respond to home remedies, such as cold compresses, or over-the-counter medications. Underarm pain may also be referred pain from the chest, which can be a sign of a serious heart condition. Because underarm pain can be due to serious diseases, failure to seek treatment can result in serious complications and permanent damage. Once the underlying cause is diagnosed, it is important for you to follow the treatment plan that you and your health care professional design specifically for you to reduce the risk of potential complications including:
What other symptoms might occur with underarm pain?Underarm pain may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Musculoskeletal symptoms that may occur along with underarm painUnderarm pain may accompany other symptoms affecting the muscles, bones, tendons and cartilage including:
Other symptoms that may occur along with underarm painUnderarm pain may accompany other symptoms including:
Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening conditionIn some cases, underarm pain may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting, as it may be referred angina (chest pain due to decreased blood supply to the heart). It may also result from a serious fracture. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these life-threatening symptoms including:
What causes pain on left side of chest near armpit?If you have pain in your left breast and armpit, it's possible that it could be a symptom of angina. Angina is pain that happens when your heart doesn't get enough blood. While it's often felt in the chest, it can also affect other areas, such as your: neck.
Does a heart attack hurt in your armpit?Heart attack-related chest pain can also be felt in either or both armpits, but chest pain with armpit pain may also be signs of a muscle injury or something more serious, like breast cancer or enlarged, swollen lymph nodes.
Can pain in left armpit be heart related?Angina is a condition that causes severe chest pain due to a temporary reduction in blood flow to the heart. The pain occurs because the heart muscle doesn't receive enough oxygenated blood to keep up with its activity. Symptoms of this condition can cause pain under your left armpit and shoulder as well as: fatigue.
What does it mean when you have pain on your left side under your ribs?Pain in your upper left abdomen under your ribs can have a variety of causes. There are several important organs in this area, including the: spleen kidney pancreas stomach colon lung. Life threatening causes include heart attack.
|