Media Health Group aims to give out reliable information that is backed by science and gives people the opportunity to handle their well being. We create a bridge between daily choices and medical knowledge to help people love their best and most fulfilled lives. 

A left sore arm might be an indication that there’s a serious problem. It doesn’t matter if the soreness was a sudden occurrence or it had been there for a while, knowing why your left arm is sore can enable you to decide if to take a break or go for a medical checkup. 

Media Health Group is a big advocate for the idea that choices that are backed by information will always deliver better results. That is the reason why we are giving a detailed breakdown of the 7 scary but possible reasons for a left sore arm ranging from mild to dangerous reasons.  

A possible heart issue, specifically a heart attack, can be knee or the most dangerous reasons for soreness in the left arm. If there is sudden pain and it is followed by some symptoms such as nausea, chest pain, headache or shortness of breath, then it is a possibility. 

Referred pain is the main cause of sore left arm from heart issues. In this case there is an overlap in the nerves from the arm and the heart so that can cause a gross misinterpretation for the brain. 

It is very important to get help immediately if you think that it might be the cause. 

A taut nerve that happens in the neck area can cause a tingling sensation, severe pain or numbing feeling in your left arm. It is said to feel like an ache, sore or even a burning feeling. Reasons for it might be due to narrowing of the spinal canal, ruptured disc or bad posture. 

The good news is that a lot of these cases can be treated with medications for inflammations, physical therapy and exercises to correct your postures. 

Muscle Strain

A pulled muscle or strain in your left arm can be due to typing on a computer, lifting heavy objects, sleeping in a bad position or even carrying groceries. This cause is the most popular cause of a sore left arm and not as serious as others. 

In order to soothe the ache, you should put ice on it, allow the arm to rest from any activity and stretch it gently. If there are still persistent symptoms after a few days, then you should go see a health specialist. 

It is a very normal occurrence to feel some soreness temporarily after getting a vaccination or being injected in the left arm e.g COVID-19 vaccine. This feeling can go on for either one or two days and it might feel swollen or slightly room temperature.

• You should use a cool compress
• If necessary, you should take ibuprofen or acetaminophen 
• Make sure that the arm is mobile. 

Injuries From Constant Motion 

Bursitis or tendinitis that happens in the elbow or shoulder are obtained from doing jobs or having hobbies that require constant motion like typing, painting or playing sports. This can lead to regional discomfort in the lower or upper left arm. 

• Physical therapy 
• Rest
• Corticosteroid injections
• Ergonomic adjustments

When you experience that feels like it is inside your arm, it could be resulting from the joint in your shoulder especially the rotator cuff. Soreness that seems to come from the upper arm can be caused by issues like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, or impingement syndrome.

• Click like sounds 
• Motion that is limited
• Severe pain when you take your arm above your head. 

Though Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can usually be affiliated with the hands and wrist, it can lead to upper arm soreness or referred pain, especially if there is an involvement of the ulnar nerve or median.

• Numbness at night
• Tingly fingers
• Weak grip 

It is very important to seek urgent checkup if the pain in your left arm is sudden, severe or comes with shortness of breath, chest ache or headaches. Even if you don’t have chest pain, if the soreness in your left arm persists after a few days, you should get checked. 

Yes. Anxiety and panic attack are known to be similar to heart issues which comes with a sore left arm and tautness. They can be really mild but still requires a check up especially if the experience is a new one.  

This can happen because of overuse of the left arm or heart related issues. It’s vital to look at both systemic signs and physical activity. 

If it caused by a little strain or too much usage, it might be wise to take a little break. But if the pain gets worse or happens during your exercises, it if important to suspend the exercise and get help from a doctor. 

Yes. A bad sleeping position can strain the muscles which then lead to soreness temporarily specifically if your arm is lodged under your pillow or body. 

It is important to know that a left sore arm might just be a minor issue or a far more serious matter. It is important to notice the time it happens, how severe and other symptoms. You need to seek immediate medical assistance if the soreness  is accompanied with chest pain, tiredness or even shortness of breath.

The good news is that most of these cases are not related to heart issues so with the proper rest, exercises and check up,  it is easy to find out the real cause. But that shouldn’t stop you from talking to a doctor, especially when it is related to your left arm which might be a warning that it is related to health issues.