Does Pain Under Left Armpit Mean You Are Having A Heart Attack

When damage destroys the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented.

Radial nerve dysfunction

Radial nerve dysfunction is a problem with the radial nerve. This is the nerve that travels from the armpit down the back of the arm to the hand. It helps you move your arm, wrist, and hand.

Causes

Damage to one nerve, such as the radial nerve, is called mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy means there is damage to a single nerve. Diseases affecting the entire body (systemic disorders) can also cause isolated nerve damage.

Causes of mononeuropathy include:

• An illness in the whole body that damages a single nerve
• Direct injury to the nerve
• Long-term pressure on the nerve
• Pressure on the nerve caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures

Radial neuropathy occurs when there is damage to the radial nerve, which travels down the arm and controls:

• Movement of the triceps muscle at the back of the upper arm
• Ability to bend the wrist and fingers backward
• Movement of the wrist and hand
• Sensation of part of the back of the hand

When damage destroys the nerve covering (myelin sheath) or part of the nerve itself, nerve signaling is slowed or prevented.

Damage to the radial nerve can be caused by:

• Broken arm bone and other injury
• Diabetes
• Improper use of crutches leading to excess pressure in the armpit
• Lead poisoning
• Long-term or repeated constriction of the wrist (for example, from wearing a tight watch strap)
• Long-term pressure on the nerve, usually caused by swelling or injury of nearby body structures
• Pressure to the upper arm from arm positions during sleep or coma

In some cases, no cause can be found.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

• Abnormal sensations in the back and thumb side of the hand, or in the thumb, 2nd, and 3rd fingers
• Weakness, loss of coordination of the fingers
• Problem straightening the arm at the elbow
• Problem bending the hand back at the wrist, or holding the hand
• Pain, numbness, decreased sensation, tingling, or burning sensation in the areas controlled by the nerve

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may be asked what you were doing before the symptoms started.

Tests that may be needed include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging tests to view the nerve and nearby structures
• Electromyography to check the health of the radial nerve and the muscles it controls
• Nerve biopsy to examine a piece of nerve tissue (rarely needed)
• Nerve conduction tests to check how fast nerve signals travel

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to allow you to use the hand and arm as much as possible. Your provider will find and treat the cause, if possible. Sometimes, no treatment is needed and you will get better on your own.

If medicines are needed, they may include:

• Over-the-counter or prescription pain medicines
• Corticosteroid injections around the nerve to reduce swelling and pressure

Your provider will likely suggest self-care measures. These may include:

• A supportive splint at either the wrist or elbow to help prevent further injury and relieve the symptoms. You may need to wear it all day and night, or only at night.
• An elbow pad if the radial nerve is injured at the elbow. Also, avoid bumping or leaning on the elbow.
• Physical therapy exercises to help maintain muscle strength in the arm.

Occupational therapy or counseling to suggest changes in the workplace may be needed.

Surgery to relieve pressure on the nerve may help if the symptoms get worse, or if there is proof that part of the nerve is wasting away.

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the cause of the nerve dysfunction can be found and successfully treated, there is a good chance that you will fully recover. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

• Mild to severe deformity of the hand
• Partial or complete loss of feeling in the hand
• Partial or complete loss of wrist or hand movement
• Recurrent or unnoticed injury to the hand

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if you have an arm injury and develop numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness down the back of the arm and the thumb and your first 2 fingers.

Prevention

Avoid prolonged pressure on the upper arm.

Alternative Names

Neuropathy – radial nerve; Radial nerve palsy; Mononeuropathy

Images

References

Craig A. Neuropathies. In: Cifu DX, ed. Braddom’s Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 41.

Jobe MT, Martinez SF, Weller WJ. Peripheral nerve injuries. In: Azar FM, Beaty JH, eds. Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 62.

Katirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff’s Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.

Patterson JMM, Novak CB, Mackinnon SE. Compression neuropathies. In: Wolfe SW, Pederson WC, Kozin SH, Cohen MS, eds. Green’s Operative Hand Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 28.

Review Date 6/13/2024

Updated by: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Learn how to cite this page

Related MedlinePlus Health Topics

• Arm Injuries and Disorders
• Hand Injuries and Disorders
• Peripheral Nerve Disorders

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06/01/2025

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Does Pain Under Left Armpit Mean You Are Having A Heart Attack?

Have you ever thought about what could be causing a sudden pain under your left armpit? Even if it might only be a moment of discomfort, paying attention to any severe or prolonged soreness is crucial.Numerous vital organs, including lymph nodes, nerves, blood arteries, and muscles, run through the armpit location. Let’s look at a few reasons for pain beneath the left armpit in this post, and solve the puzzle of this frequent yet potentially alarming ache.

What Causes Pain Under Left Armpit?

Here are the top 3 contributors to armpit discomfort:

• infection
• swollen lymph nodes
• strained muscle

Infection

Underarm pits that are dark and occasionally wet are perfect homes for bacteria. Right or left armpit pain can sometimes result from overgrowth or infection caused by this bacteria known as trichomycosis axillaries. Small, 1-2 millimeter red, yellow, or black lumps are produced around the armpit hair and are more common in warmer areas.Also, hidradenitis suppurativa, a skin disorder can cause abscesses that can lead to infection. Boil-like lumps, cysts, and blackheads are a few symptoms. An armpit abscess develops when pus builds up in an uncomfortable, bloated lump that may leak.Candida infections like candidiasis, which commonly develop in skin creases and might hurt beneath the arms, are caused by fungi.

Swollen lymph nodes

Infections involving viruses can hurt under your left armpit. When you get sick, your body may respond by producing additional blood cells to help fight the infection. As a result, your lymph nodes enlarge or swell up, causing pain.Moreover, lymph nodes in the neck, chest, groin, and belly can swell. Swollen lymph nodes can occasionally indicate malignancies like lymphoma and leukemia.

Strained muscle

Your muscle tissues are susceptible to damage since you use your arms for so many daily activities. A muscular strain happens when it is overstretched or torn.If you lift anything too heavy or move quickly, you could strain your muscles. Repetitive pressure on a muscle might also result in weakened muscles beneath your armpits. A pulled muscle can hurt like it’s being stabbed.

Does Pain Under Left Armpit Mean You Are Having A Heart Attack?

No, pain beneath the left armpit does not always indicate a heart attack. Since the heart is in the center of the chest, pain under the left armpit is more likely the result of external causes. These could include strained muscles, accidents, infections, or even problems with the breasts, like mastitis or breast cancer.The best course of action is to see a doctor identify the underlying source of soreness under your left armpit. A medical expert can conduct an examination, request testing, and offer a diagnosis and suitable course of action.

How To Deal With Armpit Pain?

There are a few things you can do to help alleviate the pain.

• Applying a warm compress or a warm bath may help relax the muscles and relieve discomfort.
• Over-the-counter meds such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen may reduce pain and inflammation.
• Avoiding activities or movements that exacerbate the pain, such as lifting heavy objects or engaging in strenuous exercise, is important.
• Resting the affected area and avoiding unnecessary movement can help to promote healing.

Closing Note

If you feel pain radiating from your armpits to your chest, talk to a cardiologist immediately for action. You can rely on Northwest Cardiovascular for dealing with anything related to your discomfort around the heart. Dial (281) 807-5253. Our line is on for 24/7 assistance.