Categories: Health

What Causes Dull Left Arm Pain That Comes and Goes

Left Arm Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Emergency Causes

Left arm pain can be a symptom of a heart attack, angina, or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If you experience left arm pain and other heart attack symptoms, such as chest discomfort or pain, shortness of breath, or upper body pain, call 911 immediately.

Heart Attack

A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, causing the heart muscle to die. Symptoms of a heart attack include:

  • Chest discomfort or pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Upper body pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach

Angina

Angina is a heart condition characterized by a narrowed coronary artery, which reduces blood flow to the heart muscle. Symptoms include:

  • Squeezing or pressure on the chest
  • Feelings of indigestion or heartburn
  • Pain in the shoulders, arms, back, neck, or jaw

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a blood clot that develops in a vein deep within the body. Symptoms include:

  • Pain, warmth, tenderness, and swelling in the affected arm
  • A pulmonary embolism (PE) can occur if the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lungs

Other Causes of Dull, Flaring Left Arm Pain

  • Trauma and injury, such as strains, sprains, or fractures
  • Arthritis, which can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
  • Pinched nerve, which can cause numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness
  • Peripheral neuropathy, a condition in which the nerves do not function correctly

When to See a Provider

If you experience arm pain accompanied by symptoms of a heart condition, call 911 immediately. If you experience arm pain from an injury or a long-term condition like arthritis, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Diagnosis

A healthcare provider will diagnose arm pain based on reported symptoms and any required tests or scans. If arm pain is thought to be caused by a heart condition, the person may undergo:

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG) or stress test
  • Blood tests to check for signs of a heart attack or angina
  • Imaging tests, such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan, to rule out other conditions

How to Minimize Future Pain

To minimize future pain, follow these tips:

  • Alternate exercises every other day
  • Cool down after exercise
  • Stretch before playing sports
  • Practice proper techniques
  • Rest when needed

Summary

Left arm pain can be a symptom of a heart condition, injury, or long-term condition. If you experience left arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath, or other heart attack symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. If your arm pain is not related to a heart condition, contact a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment.

Fitness Fusion HQ

Recent Posts

9 Things to Know About UConn Basketball Star Paige Bueckers Right Now

This attitude was obvious earlier in the 2025 tournament, when USC star JuJu Watkins tore…

1 hour ago

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs in the Air Fryer

Before You Get Started Make sure you’ve got a spray oil that’s safe for use…

2 hours ago

6 Supplements to Take for Acid Reflux Relief

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and symptoms…

2 hours ago

11 Nuts and Seeds That Are High in Magnesium

Write an article about Magnesium Content in Nuts and Seeds Nut/Seed Magnesium (mg) Daily Value…

8 hours ago

Do I need to eat more protein?

Write an article about In the ever-changing wellness industry, one diet obsession has captured and…

10 hours ago

How a Free Week at CrossFit Invictus Changed Jorge Fernandez’s Life

Write an article about An athlete since he was 4 years old, Jorge Fernandez participated…

10 hours ago