Pain in the back of the arm and forearm.
In this section you’ll find information about pain in the back of the arm and forearm, and other related symptoms. We’ll go over the most common diagnoses, the muscles that may be involved, and treatment and self-care strategies that can help you improve.
You’ll also find warning signs (red flags) that indicate when you should see a doctor without delay.
1. Common symptoms and diagnoses
Symptoms:
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Pain in the arm, forearm, or hand; pain when gripping objects; pain radiating to the hand or fingers; thumb pain; severe elbow pain.
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A feeling of weakness in the hand; fatigue when using the arm or hand; a feeling of stiffness or overload; difficulty pinching, opening jars, holding weights, turning doorknobs, or using tools (screwdriver). Tingling or unusual sensations without a neurological cause.
Diagnoses:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis elbow), epitrochleitis (golfer’s elbow), rhizarthrosis, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, C5–C7 radiculopathy, cervical herniated disc, osteoarthritis.
2. Possible muscles involved
Scalenes
- Common symptoms: Neck, arm, and forearm pain; pain between the shoulder blades and in the chest. Tingling, numb hand, and weakness (thoracic outlet syndrome). Epicondylitis.
- Complete self-treatment.
Pectorals
- Common symptoms: Pain in the front of the shoulder, in the chest, in the sternum, and on the inner side of the arm and elbow, reaching down to the hand. Tingling and loss of strength in the arm and hand. Thoracic outlet syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome. Epitrochleitis.
- Complete self-treatment.
Epicondylar muscles
- Common symptoms: Pain in the forearm, at the elbow bone, in the wrist, and in the palm of the hand. Tingling and loss of strength in the hand. Difficulty gripping objects, handling tools, etc. Diagnoses of thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, or tennis elbow.
- Complete self-treatment.
Hand muscles
- Common symptoms: Pain in the wrist, in the palm of the hand, and in the fingers. Tingling and loss of strength in the hand. Difficulty gripping objects, handling tools, and pinching. Diagnoses of thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, rhizarthrosis, arthritis.
- Complete self-treatment.
Triceps brachii
- Common symptoms:
- Complete self-treatment.
3. Treatments
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore normal function in the affected area. In most cases, these symptoms are related to muscle issues, overload, or lack of movement, and can improve with simple self-care measures.
Treatment techniques: These self-applied techniques will help you reduce pain and improve function and quality of life.
● Compression of tender points
Apply gradually increasing pressure to painful points for 60–90 seconds to reduce muscle tension and pain.
● Self-massage: Self-massage helps reduce muscle tension, improve circulation, and decrease pain.
Do longitudinal, transverse, or fascial massage strokes to relax the muscles and improve mobility.
● Post-isometric relaxation and stretching: They help normalize muscle tone, reduce stiffness, and restore movement.
● Mobility and strengthening: They improve function, reduce overload and stiffness, and help prevent relapses. They also improve tolerance for activities of daily living.
It’s the most effective strategy in the medium and long term.
● Habit changes: Small day-to-day changes can make a big difference:
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Avoid holding prolonged postures.
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Take active breaks.
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Change position frequently.
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Adjust and make the most of your work environment if needed.
Access the specific treatment in the “possible muscles involved” section.
4. Red flags
With these symptoms, see a doctor without delay:
- Pain in the left arm that appears with exertion and is accompanied by chest pressure, shortness of breath (dyspnea), or cold sweating.
- Severe, disproportionate pain; a feeling of extreme internal pressure.
- Deformity of the arm or hand, especially after trauma or a fall.
- Fever; arm or hand that is red, hot, and swollen.
- Weakness in the arm and hand; loss of strength when gripping objects.
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Sudden paleness, coldness, or bluish color in the limb.
- Persistent tingling in the arm and hand.
