There are various conditions that can instigate piercing left arm pain. Any tissue in the left arm including the tendons, muscles, ligaments, nerves, blood vessels and nerves can cause left arm pain. The structures outside the arm such as the tissues in the neck, chest and shoulder can also cause arm pain.
Overuse injuries, certain medical conditions and traumatic injuries are the most common causes of piercing left arm pain. If you want to be prepared to handle left arm pain, you can register for first aid training today.
Fracture of the radial head
Fractures that involve the radial head can cause piercing, left arm pain. A radial head fracture affects the uppermost region of the radius bone and considered as a prevalent injury. It is important to note that radial head fractures are quite common among women than men. In most cases of radial head fractures, they typically occur among individuals between the ages of 30-40 years old.
The most common cause of radial head fracture is when an individual attempts to break a fall using an outstretched arm and hand. During the impact, the force from the fall travels up to the wrist and elbow, resulting to a radial head fracture or elbow dislocation.
The usual indications of a radial head fracture include piercing pain on the exterior of the elbow, diminished range of motion of the elbow joint, swelling in the affected elbow joint as well as inability to turn the palm up or down.
Myocardial infarction
When it comes to myocardial infarction or a heart attack, it can cause piercing left arm pain. This occurs once the coronary blood vessels are clogged or blocked. The lack of blood and oxygen to the heart can lead to permanent damage to a region of the heart muscles along with other accompanying symptoms.
The usual indications of myocardial infarction include sharp arm pain radiating to the arms and neck, chest pain, feeling of impending doom, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, dizziness and excessive sweating. The risk factors for myocardial infarction include high blood pressure, smoking, chronic kidney disease, diabetes and males older than 65 years old.
Postherpetic neuralgia
It is important to note that postherpetic neuralgia can trigger piercing left arm pain. This is a sore condition that affects the skin and nerves. The symptoms are often severe enough to disrupt with the sleeping pattern and appetite of the individual.
Postherpetic neuralgia tends to occur right after an episode of shingles which is a sore condition caused by the chickenpox virus. Shingles is characterized by rash and blisters in one region of the body. The pain caused by postherpetic neuralgia tends to linger after the shingles-related rash and blisters have vanished.
The usual indications of postherpetic neuralgia include sensitivity to light, pain in the affected region, itchiness, numbness, muscle weakness and even paralysis in some cases.